OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - State officials are encouraging Nebraskans to consider getting tested for the coronavirus before the holidays if they plan to see extended family.
The state's chief medical officer, Dr. Gary Anthone, said taking a test for the virus before Christmas would add an extra layer of protection for families that plan to gather together.
"Testing appointments are available so we encourage anyone who plans to travel or who plans to see extended family to take advantage of the opportunity to be tested," Anthone said. "If you're not feeling well but think it's a cold, we want you to get tested."
Nebraska reported 1,242 new virus cases and 10 new deaths Wednesday to give the state 152,103 cases and 1,448 deaths since he pandemic began.
Over the past two weeks, the seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska decreased from 1,787.43 new cases per day on Dec. 2 to 1,179.71 new cases per day on Wednesday.
The number of people hospitalized with the virus declined again Wednesday to 646 from the previous day's 677. That number has been trending down since the state set a record of 987 on Nov. 20.
About 28% of Nebraska's hospital beds remain available, according to the state's online virus tracker.