MN Government Updates 09.17

Minnesota Department of Health Press Briefing

This afternoon, officials with the Minnesota Department of Health conducted a press briefing with reporters to update the public on the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

Commissioner Jan Malcolm, Department of Health

  • Commissioner Malcolm reported 931 new cases of COVID-19. This brings the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota to 86,722.
  • There were 19,532 COVID-19 tests reported to the state yesterday.
  • These figures represent the third-highest daily case count thus far. Two other days had lower testing volumes.
  • There were nine additional deaths due to COVID-19. Six of those deaths were residents of long-term care facilities. The total number of COVID-19 deaths in Minnesota is now at 1,942.
  • Currently, 242 patients are hospitalized due to COVID-19 with 132 of those in the ICU.
  • Hospitalizations decreased by two.
  • ICU bed use decreased by four.
  • The seven-day COVID-19 test positivity average is 4.7% as of September 8.
  • Next week, the Minnesota Department of Health will begin a four-week push for no-barrier COVID-19 testing with three to six community testing events each week spread throughout the state. The testing will be open to anyone who feels they need to be tested. No insurance is needed, just a name and phone number.

Assistant Commissioner Dan Huff, Health Protection Bureau

  • Assistant Commissioner Huff outlined several reasons for the department’s increased testing efforts.
  • The state needs to respond to the increased levels of community spread – where the source of transmission of the virus is unknown.
  • The department is deeply concerned about case spikes in Minnesota where people don’t know how they contracted the virus.
  • Testing is critical so that those who test positive can isolate.
  • The state is experiencing other impacts form school beginning, Labor Day activities, weddings, funerals, and home social gatherings.
  • The governor’s goal was for a capacity of 20,000 tests per day. The state has surpassed that and has capacity for 22,000 tests per day.
  • Grand Rapids, Pine City, and Waseca will have community testing events next week.

Amos A. Briggs | Government Relations
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