57 new COVID-19 deaths, 8,953 more cases in Minnesota

Minnesota is reporting 57 new deaths and 8,953 new coronavirus cases, the state Health Department said Sunday morning.

The state's one-day count of new cases came on a very high volume of about 88,790 newly completed tests.

Since the pandemic arrived in Minnesota in March, the state's tallies include 312,969 total positive cases, 16,643 hospitalizations and 3,578 deaths.

Residents of long-term care and assisted-living facilities accounted for 29 of the newly announced deaths.

Numbers released Sunday show health care workers have accounted for 22,613 positive cases. More than 265,223 people who were infected no longer need to be isolated.

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus that surfaced late last year. People at greatest risk 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. Most illnesses involve mild or moderate symptoms; many cases are asymptomatic.

Kim Hyatt • 612-673-4751