“New Minnesota COVID-19 cases surged Friday to hit a record-setting 2,297 infections, 50% higher than the previous daily peak set just last Saturday” according to the Star Tribune.

I am very saddened and frankly deeply worried about today’s number but I am not surprised. [..] It spreads when you don’t feel it. It spreads when you don’t know it.

Jan Malcolm, Minnesota Health Commissioner (source: Star Tribune)

Reacting to recent surge in Covid-19 cases, state infectious disease director Kris Ehresmann is quoted saying, “We are seeing high COVID numbers across the state in multiple locations. This is just unfortunately widespread transmission of COVID in Minnesota.”

Clearly frustrated by repeating the same advice for months, officials again implored people to wear masks in indoor public spaces, socially distance and take other measures to stem the spread even when gathering with family and friends.

The MPR News

• Rampant spread leaves officials ‘deeply worried’
• Minnesota sets new single-day highs for cases, tests
• 2,297 new COVID-19 cases set daily record in Minnesota

According the MPR News, the current spike in cases is not driven by illnesses tied to long-term care facilities, workplace sites or meatpacking plants but the current spread is diffused, making it even harder to trace and isolate cases. “New cases are up dramatically over the past month in all age groups. That includes a concerning rise in the number of new cases among Minnesotans ages 60 and older. It’s not clear what’s behind those increases,” add the MPR News.

The state is tracking several metrics to determine its actions, but the administration prefers people to follow existing guidance to keep healthy and safe rather than implement new regulations.

Jan Malcolm, state Heath Commissioner (sorce: MinnPost)

“This is an ongoing conversation within the administration and across multiple different perspectives of trying very very hard to protect our economy, trying to keep people working, trying to keep these sectors of the economy open and trying to do everything we can to support our schools to be able to execute their learning plans,” added Malcolm.

Healthcare Workers Shortage

According to the MinnPost reporting, because of the high level of COVID-19 spread in Minnesota there is shortage of healthcare workers who get sick — outside the hospital. Kris Ehresmann, state infectious disease director told to the reporters that “18 percent of high-risk exposures for health care workers — which are exposures without proper protective equipment — came in patient care, while 24 percent came in social settings or at home”. 

The high level of community transmission is impacting all of our sectors including health care. Please consider this as you make decisions about masking social distancing and socializing in large groups. You may just be reducing the likelihood that someone is available to care for you when you get sick.

Kris Ehresmann, State infectious disease director (source: MinnPost)

Confirmed COVID-19 cases in Minnesota have been increasing 11th straight day with 1,000+ cases.