LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska has reported another 198 novel coronavirus cases, increasing the total for the pandemic to 19,660.
The state Department of Health and Human Services dashboard showed Saturday that the number of cases had increased 1% in the previous day. The state reported 284 COVID-19-related deaths, up two.
The health department said 14,200 people, or about 72% of those infected, have recovered. It said 1,365 people have been hospitalized, but only 111 of those hospitalizations still are active.
Nearly 63% of the people who've been hospitalized were 55 or older, and the same group accounts for 90% of the state's reported COVID-19-related deaths. the department said.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks. But for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause severe illness or death.
The health department said 42% of the state's hospital beds, 50% of its intensive care unit beds and 80% of its ventilator beds still are available.
About 55% of the state's total reported cases were in Douglas, Lancaster and Dakota counties.