OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska health officials said 311 more coronavirus cases were reported to give the state at least 2,732 cases.
The actual number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest people can be infected without feeling sick.
Three additional deaths were also reported in Nebraska on Saturday, so the total of deaths rose to 53. Two of the new deaths were reported in Hall County and one was in Hamilton County.
Hall County, which is home to Grand Island, continues to lead the state in COVID-19 cases with 797. The much more populous Douglas County, which includes the state's largest city of Omaha, has 382 cases.
Gov. Pete Ricketts has announced plans to begin easing some restrictions in 59 of the state's 93 counties starting next month. The changes will allow restaurants to reopen their dining rooms as long as they limit crowds to less than half their capacity and maintain social distancing.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms 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 and death.