Lincoln – About two-thirds of deaths from the coronavirus in Nebraska have involved residents of long-term care facilities, the governor said.

Nebraska has reported about 4,800 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, and 73 deaths. The actual number of infections is thought to be far higher than the number of confirmed cases, though, because many people have not been tested and studies suggest that people can be infected without feeling sick.

At least 48 of Nebraska’s deaths have involved nursing home residents, the Lincoln Journal Star reported. The statistics, provided by Gov. Pete Ricketts during a news briefing last Friday, were evidence of the dangers that older people face from the virus, especially those dealing with other health conditions.

Nationally, more than 20,000 nursing home deaths have been linked to COVID-19.

Statewide restrictions in Nebraska started easing Monday, when restaurants and businesses were permitted to reopen and religious gatherings can resume, though social distancing requirements will remain in place.

Douglas County Health Director Adi Pour said Friday that the timing for reopening the state was right because hospitals have enough capacity and people are becoming fatigued and starting to stray from all the regulations, the Omaha World-Herald reported.

“We need to be realistic,” Pour said. “I think that’s what the governor is seeing, too.”

But Pour expressed concern about churches resuming services.

“My advice would be if you are vulnerable, you are at high risk,” Pour said. “There are many other avenues where you can worship, and I would prefer individuals who are elderly, have underlying illnesses, immunocompromised systems, that those individuals stay at home.”