COVID-19 in MN: Pandemic trajectory uncertain amid messy post-holiday data

3 things to know:

• 2,736 newly confirmed or probable cases (including nearly 650 pending cases)

• 13,485 known active cases; 718 currently hospitalized

• 72.6 percent of residents aged 16 and over who received at least one dose of vaccine

State public health officials are now briefing reporters.

Updated at 14:28

There is no doubt that COVID-19 remains stubbornly persistent in Minnesota. But pending cases and messy Labor Day weekend data make it difficult to draw conclusions from the latest figures on the trajectory of the pandemic.

The Minnesota Department of Health reported 2,736 newly confirmed or probable cases of the disease on Wednesday, but nearly 650 of them were several months old, discovered as part of a project to review the data from the agency.

Known and active cases increased to 13,485. Active cases averaged just under 8,000 over the last seven reporting days, less than two weeks ago. The disease, however, continues to show resistance.

Officials remain concerned about a potential spike in cases stemming from the new school year, Labor Day gatherings and the Minnesota State Fair.

Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said on Wednesday the state had confirmed 153 cases “directly related” to the fair, including four hospitalizations. 33 more Minnesota cases are linked to the massive motorcycle rally last month in Sturgis, SD

The total but unknown number of cases resulting from these events is likely several times the number of confirmed cases, Malcolm said, imploring the Minnesotans to remain vigilant against the disease – get vaccinated and continue to mask themselves in indoor public spaces.

The State Fair and Sturgis counts are a significant underestimate “of the spread related to these events because” we don’t reach most people and a lot of people don’t disclose wherever they are, added Dr. Ruth Lynfield, state epidemiologist. .

Cases accelerated until the end of the summer, driven by the highly contagious delta variant. The rate of positive return COVID-19 tests is still trending above the 5% threshold that public health officials find worrying.

Current hospital and intensive care needs have increased during this summer wave – 718 people are currently in hospital beds with COVID-19, including 208 intensive care cases, more than the outbreak. April.

The Health Department added 41 newly reported deaths, including 28 pending cases reported as part of the agency’s review, bringing the state’s toll in the pandemic to 7,956.

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 wide gaps remain in vaccination rates between regions of the state.

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.

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Latest developments

State launches vaccine application

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

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