Health Commissioner Young Malcolm said on Wednesday that the number of COVID-19 cases in Minnesota has surged and the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations has reached the state’s highest level this year.
On Wednesday, the Minnesota Department of Health reported 5,277 new cases and 43 new deaths. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 831,669 and the death toll to 8,925. Hospitals in Minnesota are caring for 1,159 COVID patients, of which 257 are in the intensive care unit.
In a briefing to reporters, Malcolm said that the number of new cases was “very high and worrying.” According to her, she called it a “really shocking peak” Associated Press.
Malcolm said: “The tragedy of the current surge in cases is that, more than ever, we have the tools and knowledge to minimize the impact of this virus.”
Malcolm said that vaccinations, staying at home when sick and wearing masks in public are some tools. She added that there are still too many people who have not been vaccinated.
70% of the population aged 12 years and over have completed the vaccination.The Associated Press reported that 67% of Minnesotaans aged 5 and over had at least one dose.
Malcolm and Health Department Director of Infectious Diseases, Chris Eresman, said that one factor in the increase in cases appeared to be “decreased immunity,” which appeared about six months after vaccination. This situation most often occurs in older patients, who are vaccinated first.
For more reports from the Associated Press, please see below.
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“Now every day we see dozens of Minnesota people die from diseases they don’t have to suffer from, which is heartbreaking for all of us in this job,” Malcolm said.
Eresman said that given the overcrowding of hospitals and many people have not yet been vaccinated, health officials encourage everyone to carefully consider plans for the upcoming vacation. She pointed out, Desease control Centre The holiday guide has been updated recently.It emphasizes the value of vaccination; wear masks in public indoor environments; avoid crowded and poorly ventilated places; do not hold or attend parties if you are sick or show symptoms; and Delayed travel Until it is fully vaccinated.
“Given the COVID blizzard that hit us in Minnesota, it is a good idea to wear a mask even if you are fully vaccinated… If your family member has a weakened immune system and is at increased risk of serious illness, or if someone in your family has not been vaccinated Vaccine,” Eresman said.
Ehresmann recommends getting tested before holiday parties and travel-especially for anyone who has symptoms or has been in contact with a COVID-19 patient. She said that testing before traveling and staying away from crowds is especially important for college students returning home.
Malcolm said her staff had made “steady progress” in reducing the backlog of new cases over the weekend, when the number of laboratory reports received exceeded the department’s processing capacity. She said that in addition, a software problem on Monday resulted in an excess of about 25,000 net vaccination. These problems have been resolved and will be reflected in the figures on Thursday.
Governor Tim Walz announced earlier on Wednesday that a second professional nursing facility has begun as an alternative care facility As part of the effort he announced last month To reduce the pressure on the hospital.
A team of 14 Minnesota National Guard members and 9 Federal Public Health Service nurses will treat patients at the Good Samaritan Society-Bethany in Brainerd. The site will receive up to 34 patients from hospitals in central and northern Minnesota.
Last week, Benedictine St. Gertrude’s of Shakopee provided 30 beds with the help of the National Guard. Both facilities are receiving patients who no longer need urgent care but are not well enough to return home.
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