COVID-19 News: MN surpasses 1,500 deaths, while percentage of positive tests continues to decline

Minnesota has surpassed 1,500 COVID-19 deaths, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. The state reported two new COVID-19 deaths Monday, for a total of 1,501.

However, it’s important to note that overall, coronavirus deaths in Minnesota continue to stay low. The state announced just 499 new cases Monday, and two deaths, one of them in Renville County.

As of Monday, Redwood County has 25 confirmed cases of coronavirus with no deaths, while Renville County has had 37 confirmed cases, with three deaths.

The two deaths reported Monday are the lowest single-day total since no cases were announced last April 13th. Minnesota peaked at 35 deaths on May 28th. Hospitalizations are down by four from the previous day, for a total of 247, and there are 114 people hospitalized in intensive care.

Minnesota state Senator Scott Newman of Hutchinson stated on Monday, “By virtually every measure, the ‘emergency’ portion of the COVID outbreak is over. We are meeting almost every one of the governor’s ‘dial back’ indicators. Over the past two months, the percentage of positive cases has fallen dramatically. New case growth per 100,000 residents has fallen dramatically. Hospital admissions have fallen dramatically. We are well positioned to manage the crisis the rest of the way. The founders never intended for a peace time emergency to last this long; it’s time to restore the balance of power between the legislature and the governor and get back to normal.”