OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — According to new modeling from UNMC, the state of Nebraska could see significantly fewer deaths from COVID-19 than previous estimates.
The director of public health at UNMC said a key factor in predicting COVID-19 deaths is when the daily increase in the number of cases hits its peak, which should happen later this month.
The updated prediction is 50-180 deaths; earlier predictions were close to 500.
"What people have been doing in this state is making a difference," said Dr. Ali Kahn, dean of the college of public health. "So right away it was very clear that the number of deaths, no matter when the peak was likely to happen in this state, was much lower than what others had been predicting in numerous other models. So what we're doing is making a difference."
Governor Pete Ricketts added they will continue to monitor a number of issues through the end of the month. At that time it may be a one-step-at-a-time process for reopening the state.
Their biggest priority is to not overwhelm the health care system.
