MN Government Updates 10.05

Minnesota Department of Health 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, Minnesota Department of Health

  • Commissioner Malcolm reported 982 new cases of COVID-19. This brings the state’s total number of COVID-19 cases to 104,799.
  • Yesterday, 23,061 COVID-19 tests were reported to the state.
  • There were three additional deaths due to COVID-19. One of these was a resident of a long-term care facility. The total number of COVID-19 deaths in Minnesota is now 2,083.
  • There have been 7,940 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 with 2,189 in the ICU.
  • There were 53 new hospital admissions.
  • There were 12 new ICU admissions.
  • Currently, 367 patients are hospitalized with 123 of those in the ICU.
  • The seven-day COVID-19 test positivity average is 5.2% - down from 5.4% a week prior. The state has been above the 5% caution threshold for nine days now.
  • Commissioner Malcolm provided safety guidance for voting leading up to Election Day:
  • The risk of voting in-person is comparable to going to the grocery store.
  • Voting by mail or dropping off one’s ballot in a designated drop-box are the safest ways to vote.
  • For those who prefer to vote in-person, choose a non-peak time like mid-morning to avoid crowds. Stay six feet from others, wear a mask, and wash hands frequently (before and after voting). Stay home if you are sick.

Director Kris Ehresmann, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention, and Control Division

  • Director Ehresmann provided an update on contact tracing. The Minnesota Department of Health is following standard health protocols following the news of President Trump contracting COVID-19 after visiting Minnesota last week.
  • Minnesota residents who may have had close contact (within 6 feet for a duration of 15 minutes or more) of President Trump should quarantine for 14 days. For those concerned about an infection, get tested between Day 5 and Day 7. If the test is negative, test again between Day 5 and Day 14.
  • When asked if the department has identified any Minnesotan who has tested positive following President Trump’s visit to Minnesota, Director Ehresmann responded that the state has not identified any cases or potential exposures at this point from the president’s visit.

Amos A. Briggs | Government Relations
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