COVID-19 in MN: highest active cases since end of April

3 things to know:

• 2,645 newly confirmed or probable cases

• 16,485 known active cases; 719 currently hospitalized

• 72.7% of residents aged 16 and over who received at least one dose of vaccine

It is not finished yet.

The latest COVID-19 data from Minnesota shows the state has more than 16,000 known active cases, the highest number since late April. The seven-day daily average of newly reported cases is also the highest since the spring outbreak.

While the numbers are troubling, the rate of tests that come back positive remains relatively stable – above the 5% that officials find worrying but not leaping like it has in other COVID waves.

Yet the numbers and the burden on Minnesota hospitals are now similar to the wave the state experienced in mid-April. State officials have been concerned for weeks about a possible outbreak of COVID-19 resulting from the new school year, Labor Day gatherings and the Minnesota State Fair.

The state this week confirmed 153 cases directly linked to the fair, including four hospitalizations, as well as 33 cases from Minnesota linked to the August massive motorcycle rally in Sturgis, SD

Active cases average over 10,000 over the last seven days of notification, which is significantly higher than two weeks ago as the disease demonstrates its persistence.

Cases accelerated until the end of the summer, driven by the highly contagious delta variant.

“I don’t think we feel like we’re at a plateau right now,” Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said recently. “There are some encouraging signs in the data”, but it is “far too early to say much about this”.

She implored Minnesotans to remain vigilant against the disease – to get vaccinated and continue to mask themselves in indoor public spaces.

Current hospital and intensive care needs have increased during this summer wave – 719 people are currently in hospital beds with COVID-19, including 211 intensive care cases, more than during the outbreak April.

The health ministry added 13 newly reported deaths on Friday, bringing the pandemic toll to 7,983 in the state.

Minnesota remains better positioned now than during the peaks of fall and spring. More than 71% of state residents aged 12 and older have received at least one vaccine, and more than two-thirds of this population are fully immunized.

However, getting more Minnesotans vaccinated remains a chore, and large gaps remain in vaccination rates between regions and counties.

The authorities also remain concerned at the increase in the number of cases among school-aged children as the new school year dawns. Compared to the same time last year, case rates and hospitalizations in this group are higher.

---

Latest developments

State launches application on vaccines

As more companies require proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter, the state is launching an app that will allow people to view and instantly access their immunization records.

The app, called Docket, includes information about not only COVID-19 injections, but also other injections, said state director of infectious diseases Kris Ehresmann.

“We recognize the importance of having a safe and convenient way to find, view and share your and your family’s immunization records, such as immunization records needed for school or childcare.” , she said.

Health care providers, pharmacists, and other practitioners submit immunization information to the state database called the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC) each time they administer an injection.

“The Docket app gives Minnesotans a digital option to access their vaccination history in MIIC, check what vaccines you or your children might receive and see what vaccines you might need in the future. This is essential to ensure that people are protected from preventable diseases, ”she said.

In recent months, more than 30,000 people have requested immunization records from the state, up from around 12,000 last year. The volume has created a backlog, with people waiting weeks for their information.

Right now, vaccination records are saved on small paper cards that can be lost or torn – a downside as more businesses and establishments require proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter.

– Catherine Richert | MPR News