The Minnesota Department of Health reported 403 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 today, and six newly reported deaths, bringing the state’s cumulative total to 43,170 cases and 1,510 deaths.
Of those deaths, 1,175 were residents of long-term care or assisted living facilities. Of those positive cases, 4,137 were health care workers.
Approximately 777,614 tests have been completed so far, with 8,510 completed on July 13.
ICU hospitalizations continue on a downward trend. Today, there are 107 COVID patients in the ICU, the lowest number since April 17.
MDH reported one new COVID case in Beltrami County today, bringing the county’s cumulative total, by MDH’s count, to 58. Megan Heuer with Beltrami County Public Health reported four new cases confirmed by Sanford Health this morning. One patient is currently hospitalized, but the rest of the 28 active cases of COVID-19 in this county are self-isolating.
MDH reported one new COVID case in Cass County, bringing their cumulative total to 21 with two deaths, one new case in Hubbard County, bringing their cumulative total 11, two new cases in Koochiching, bringing their cumulative total to 24 with one death, and two new cases in Roseau County, bringing their cumulative total to 30.
Clearwater County has had 14 COVID cases, Itasca County has had 76 with 12 deaths, Lake of the Woods County has had no confirmed COVID cases, and Mahnomen County has had 13 cases with one death.
Itasca County’s Public Health Director Kelly Chandler says several additional tests conducted over the weekend are pending, but reports an increase of cases among younger residents.
“We definitely are seeing an increase in Itasca County cases of residents in their 20s,” said Chandler.
“We also are seeing some cases from contact over the Fourth of July weekend and will continue to see the impact from those situations in the next week or two.”
Gov. Tim Walz extended the peacetime state of emergency by another 30 days yesterday. The Republican-controlled state Senate voted to block the measure, but agreement in both the DFL-controlled House and Senate is required to end the governor’s powers related to COVID-19.
The City of Bemidji’s council, during their work session last night, discussed a possible city-wide mask order. The council will wait out this week to see if Gov. Walz mandates the use of masks for indoor spaces. If he doesn’t, the issue will go to a vote during Monday’s regular meeting. Read more about last night’s work session here.
