OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Nebraska has topped 19,000 since the outbreak of the new coronavirus began earlier this year, state health officials said.The state's online virus tracking site showed 19,042 cases had been confirmed by Tuesday - a jump of 143 new cases from the day before. The site also showed two new deaths, bringing the state's total to 269 deaths since the start of the outbreak.Of Nebraska's positive cases, 13,547 have recovered, the state's site said.The state says 42% of Nebraska's hospital beds, 48% of its intensive care beds and 80% of its ventilators remained available Tuesday.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.

Nebraska health officials: Virus cases in state top 19,000