Coronavirus: 7 more deaths confirmed in Minnesota, record jump in cases
Minnesota's COVID-19 confirmed death toll has risen to 57, with 7 more deaths announced on Friday.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), an additional 94 patients have tested positive, bringing the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota to 1,336.
This is the largest single-day rise in cases so far in Minnesota. It comes after an additional 1,600 people were tested on Thursday.
That includes 143 patients who are currently hospitalized, including 64 in intensive care.
The numbers are reflective of all reports confirmed through 4 p.m. Thursday.
- Confirmed cases: 1,336 (up from 1,242)
- Total hospitalized: 317 (up from 293)
- Still hospitalized: 143 (down from 145)
- Deaths: 57 (up from 50)
- Patients in intensive care: 64 (up from 63).
- Patient recoveries: 732 (up from 675).
Of the 1,336 Minnesotans to test positive, 732 have recovered and no longer need to remain isolated from others.
Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm clarified on Thursday that all of Minnesota's COVID-19 fatalities have been confirmed with testing. If death are only listed as "suspected" or "probable" as having been caused by COVID-19, they aren't included in the death count.
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms – fever, cough, shortness of breath, body aches, headache, chills, or sore throat – should self-quarantine for at least seven days, or until going without a fever for 72 hours (without fever-reducing medication), according to guidance from the state health department.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention says COVID-19 is widespread in Minnesota, echoing the belief that the MDH has expressed to Minnesotans for weeks. Because of widespread community transmission, there are many more assumed cases of COVID-19 that cannot be formally diagnosed due to testing limitations.
The age range for confirmed cases has been as young as 4 months old to 104 years old, with a median age of 51, while the average age of persons who have died from the disease is 87.
You can find guidance on what to do in the event you have any kind of respiratory symptoms here.