Minnesota Records 5,600 Groundbreaking COVID-19 Cases, 57 Deaths

Minnesota has recorded at least 5,599 groundbreaking COVID-19 cases and at least 57 deaths among fully vaccinated people – numbers that represent a tiny fraction of the state’s vaccinated population, health officials reported on Tuesday.

The Minnesota Department of Health said it would begin reporting the groundbreaking number of cases every week as the highly infectious delta variant rises in the state and nationwide. But the ministry warned the numbers would lag behind due to reporting delays.

The department also said there had been 514 revolutionary cases resulting in hospitalizations.

Health ministry officials say COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and only a small percentage of fully vaccinated people will still get the disease if exposed to the coronavirus. They say it’s normal with any vaccine.

The total number of revolutionary cases in the state was only about 0.2% of the population of fully vaccinated Minnesotans, while the death toll was only 0.002% of the fully vaccinated population, according to the announcement. of the department.

More than 3 million Minnesotans have completed the vaccine series, or about two-thirds of the population aged 16 and over, according to department figures. The state has recorded more than 620,000 cases and 7,700 deaths.

Groundbreaking cases are often asymptomatic, explains Dr John O’Horo, an infectious disease expert at the Mayo Clinic. He says cases are caught through routine testing before medical procedures or travel, and not because people are obviously sick.

“It gives the impression that the vaccines are not working as well as they should. The reason vaccines were designed and what they do so admirably is to reduce the incidence of serious illnesses, that is, those who are hospitalized. “

O’Horo says the small fraction of people who are hospitalized for reasons associated with COVID-19 after vaccination often have weakened immune systems – they are immunocompromised or the vaccine is less effective for them due to their age.

Gov. Tim Walz reiterated that vaccinations are the key to getting back to normal. He told reporters he was encouraged that the state has seen an increase in vaccinations in recent days to the highest levels since May.

Walz said the $ 100 gift cards the state gives to unvaccinated people who get vaccinated helped more than 30,400 people take advantage of the reward in the program’s first 72 hours. He said the incentive had some of the biggest takers in rural counties with the lowest vaccination rates.

“So it feels like there is momentum,” Walz said.

The Democratic governor said his administration is still considering making vaccinations mandatory for government employees, “trying to find the best and safest way to make sure our employees can come back, by keeping them safe. themselves, their families and others safe, and I think in the next few days we will be ready to announce what this plan will look like.

The statement drew quick criticism from Republican Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka of East Gull Lake.

“Warrants are not the solution,” Gazelka said in a statement. “There are other options, such as working from home and distancing for those who choose not to be vaccinated. Vaccines are widely available for those who want them and are incredibly effective in preventing the spread and impact. COVID But a mandate divides and is unproductive.

Several Minnesota health systems, private employers, the University of Minnesota system and other universities have announced plans for vaccination mandates in recent days as they prepare for the return of workers and students, While some large Minnesota companies have put their back to the office plans are on hold while they wait to see how the delta variant unfolds.

The Minnesota House on Tuesday reimposed a mask mandate on members and staff for the parts of the Capitol complex it controls. Minneapolis and St. Paul reimposed mask warrants on city employees last week.

A bipartisan task force of state officials heard appeals from hospital workers on Tuesday as it held its fourth hearing to develop a $ 250 million bonus for frontline workers who put their lives and health on the line in play during the pandemic. The panel faces tough choices in deciding which workers should be eligible, how much they should receive, and who will be left out. He is due to report by September 6.

Walz said he and the legislative leaders knew from the start, when they agreed to craft the package, that some deserving frontline workers would be excluded from bonuses this time around. He acknowledged that they would probably be “very disappointed” and added: “I think that will motivate us to come back” for a second round.