COVID-19: Ten Days Without a Double-Digit Death Toll

St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - It has now been 10 days since Minnesota health officials have reported a double-digit death toll from COVID-19.

Only 3 new coronavirus related deaths were reported on Sunday. Over the past 10 days, the highest single-day death toll was eight on July 8th and the last time the number of deaths reported on a single day exceeded 10 was on July 2nd when 13 COVID-19 deaths were reported. While the number of deaths reported Sunday was among the lowest in the past three months, was enough to push the overall COVID-19 death toll in the state above 1500.

The Minnesota Department of Health today reported 715 new COVID-19 infections in the state, including 17 new cases in Olmsted County. Throughout southeastern Minnesota, a total of 25 new cases were reported. The health department says the new cases were identified by the just over 13,000 tests that were completed on Saturday.

The statistics reported Sunday showed a slight increase in the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Minnesota. 251 people are currently hospitalized and 123 are being treated in intensive care units. Even with the increase from Saturday, the hospitalizations are down slightly from a week ago.

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After announcing a loosening of restrictions involving visitors to nursing homes and other senior living facilities, state health officials today announced new guidelines for reopening day services programs for people with disabilities living in group homes and other congregate care settings.

The Minnesota Department of Health says there are several hundred day services locations throughout the state that serve about 6000 people per month, providing supported employment and social activities. Most of the program shut down because of the pandemic, although some were allowed to reopen May 30th to serve people with disabilities who live in their own homes.

The new guidance for people living in group homes in congregate living facilities takes effect Monday. Anyone living with another person with an active case of COVID-19 or anyone who has had COVID-19 exposure in the past 14 days will be prohibited from attending the day service programs.

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