Minnesota reports 343 new COVID-19 cases, 10 more deaths

Minnesota is reporting 343 new coronavirus cases and 10 more deaths linked to COVID-19, the state Department of Health announced Saturday.

With the latest numbers, the seven-day rolling average for new cases is down to about 397 per day, according to the Star Tribune's coronavirus tracker. That's the lowest reading by that measure since late June.

Seven-day averages for new cases have been declining now for about six weeks. It's been a reversal from the trajectory in late winter and early spring, when Minnesota saw steadily rising COVID-19 cases along with the spread of a more contagious form of the virus.

The statewide tally of people who have received at least one vaccine dose increased by 11,265 in the latest data release, for a total of 2,911,375 people so far. That's about 64% of residents age 16 and older, according to a state dashboard reading on Saturday.

The state says nearly 2.58 million people have now completed a one-dose or two-dose vaccine series, although the rate at which more people are receiving first doses continues to slow.

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

Since Minnesota started detecting virus infections in March 2020, the state has reported 601,105 positive cases, 32,051 hospitalizations and 7,418 deaths.

Hospital figures continue to show fewer Minnesotans requiring inpatient treatment for COVID-19.

The Star Tribune's tracker shows 30 new hospital admissions reported on Saturday, down from 51 reported one week ago. Daily announcements of new admissions typically include patients who have entered the hospital at some point over the last several days, not just the most recent day.

Numbers released Saturday show health care workers have accounted for 42,650 positive cases. More than 589,000 people who were infected no longer need to be isolated.

The latest figures show more than 5.26 million vaccine doses administered overall.

COVID-19 is a respiratory ailment that poses the greatest risk of serious illness in those 65 and older, residents of long-term care facilities, and people with underlying medical conditions. The disease is caused by a coronavirus that surfaced in late 2019. Health problems that boost COVID-19 risk range from lung disease and serious heart conditions to obesity and diabetes.

Data on COVID-19 cases and deaths released Saturday morning were current as of 4 p.m. Friday. Vaccination numbers were current as of Thursday.

This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.