64 new COVID-19 deaths, 5,588 more cases in Minnesota

Minnesota is reporting 64 new coronavirus deaths and more than 5,500 new 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 67,435 newly completed tests.

Since the pandemic arrived in Minnesota in March, the state's tallies include 350,862 total positive cases, 18,233 hospitalizations and 3,984 deaths.

Residents of long-term care and assisted-living facilities accounted for 38 of the newly announced deaths, and 2,637 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Numbers released Sunday show health care workers have accounted for 25,471 positive cases. More than 308,200 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