1,715 new COVID-19 cases, 17 more deaths in Minnesota

Seventeen more people have died of COVID-19 in Minnesota, health officials reported Sunday.

The Minnesota Department of Health reported a net increase of 1,715 new confirmed coronavirus infections, according to a data release.

That brings the total number of cases confirmed in Minnesota to 122,812. Statewide, the pandemic's toll has reached 2,234 deaths.

Residents of long-term care and assisted-living facilities accounted for 14 of the newly announced deaths.

Numbers released Sunday show that health care workers have accounted for 12,423 cases statewide.

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus that surfaced late last year. Since the first case was reported in Minnesota in early March, 8,866 people have been hospitalized.

People at greatest risk from COVID-19 include those 65 and older, residents of long-term care facilities and those with underlying medical conditions.

Those health problems range from lung disease and serious heart conditions to severe obesity and diabetes.

People undergoing treatment for failing kidneys also run a greater risk, as do those with cancer and other conditions where treatments suppress immune systems.

Most patients with COVID-19 don't need to be hospitalized. The illness usually causes mild or moderate symptoms; many cases are asymptomatic.

Staff reports