As Hospitalizations Drop, Coronavirus Death Toll Pushes 1,200

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – As the state prepares for its next phase of reopening later this week, state health officials on Monday announced 11 new coronavirus-related deaths, which brings the statewide death toll to nearly 1,200. Yet, despite the announcements of the new deaths, state officials announce that hospitalization rates are the lowest they have been in a month.

Of the 1,197 people who have died from the coronavirus, 955 of them were in long-term care facilities at the time of their death, according to data released by the Minnesota Department of Health on Monday. State health officials also announced 338 new confirmed cases on Monday, which takes the statewide total to 28,224, - a number which is likely much higher because data released by the state only involves people who have been tested.

According to the data, there are 452 patients across Minnesota that are hospitalized with 198 in intensive care. The intensive care rate is the lowest it has been since early May when 194 people were being treated in intensive care. The 452 hospitalized cases is also the lowest since May 10 when 434 were hospitalized. According state health officials, there are now 23,657 patients that no longer require care.

The decrease in hospitalized patients were announced two days before the state is set to begin to further reopen its economy. On Wednesday, restaurants and bars across Minnesota can reopen indoor spaces up to 50 percent of capacity as can barbershops and hair salons. Gyms and fitness centers can also open up to 25 percent of capacity on Wednesday.