Coronavirus: 7 more deaths in Minnesota, cases rise to 1,427
Minnesota's COVID-19 confirmed death toll has risen to 64, with 7 more deaths announced on Saturday.
It means that the number of deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota has increased by 64 percent since Wednesday, when there were 39 deaths confirmed.
Of the latest deaths, 3 were in Hennepin County and 1 in Ramsey County, one in Winona County, with Nicollet and Wright counties also registering their first COVID-19 deaths. All deaths were patients in their 80s and 90s.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), an additional 91 patients have tested positive, bringing the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota to 1,427.
That includes 145 patients who are currently hospitalized, including 69 in intensive care – a rise of 5 on Friday's figure.
It comes after an additional 1,403 people were tested on Friday.
The numbers are reflective of all reports confirmed through 4 p.m. Friday.
- Confirmed cases: 1,427 (up from 1,336)
- Total hospitalized: 340 (up from 317)
- Still hospitalized: 145 (up from 143)
- Deaths: 64 (up from 57)
- Patients in intensive care: 69 (up from 64).
- Patient recoveries: 793 (up from 732).
Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm clarified this week that all of Minnesota's COVID-19 fatalities have been confirmed with testing. If deaths are only listed as "suspected" or "probable" of 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.
A health department expert said on Friday that the total number of cases may be up to 100 times as high as currently confirmed in Minnesota.
The age range for confirmed cases has been as young as 4 months old to 104 years old, with a median age of 52, while the average age of persons who have died from the disease is 88.
You can find guidance on what to do in the event you have any kind of respiratory symptoms here.
