(KMZA)--Nemaha County is reporting nine additional COVID-19 related deaths, bringing the total to 43.

Nemaha County Community Health Services reported the deaths on Tuesday. The agency said the individuals were 65 years and older.

As of Tuesday, there were 73 active cases in Nemaha County, down from 138 active cases December 8. Three are currently hospitalized.

Nemaha County has seen a total of 1,253 positive cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Nemaha County Commission voted Monday to extend the county's mask mandate until January 11.

It will be revisited at that time.

The Commission took the action at the request of County Health Officer Jane Sunderland.