Minnesota reports 2,075 new COVID-19 cases, 11 deaths Saturday
(FOX 9) - Minnesota state health officials reported 2,075 new COVID-19 cases and 11 deaths Saturday.
Minnesota has now seen 526,267 COVID-19 cases and 6,875 deaths from the disease since the start of the pandemic. Of the newly reported deaths, four were residents in long-term care facilities.
The 2,075 newly reported cases were out of 35,558 tests—a 5.8% positivity rate. The seven-day rolling average positivity rate, a lagging indicator, has increased to about 5.5%. Anything over 5% is a concern for MDH.
Meanwhile, over 1.7 million Minnesotans now have at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and over 1.1 million are fully vaccinated.
Over 82% of Minnesota seniors have at least one dose of the vaccine. Anyone 16 years old and older is now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Minnesota.
Johnson and Johnson vaccine mix up will not impact Minnesota and how long term care residents can see family for Easter
The Minnesota Department of Health says a mix up that led to the spoiling of millions of vaccine doses will not impact the state's supply. Plus, Minnesota long-term care residents can go see family and friends for Easter and other holidays after an update from MDH.
However, COVID-19 variants appear to be driving the increase in COVID-19 infections in Minnesota. State medical director Ruth Lynfield said Thursday 54-66% of the state’s positive cases over a six-day period in late March were B117 variant cases.
Hospitalizations are also continuing to increase week-over-week.
GET YOUR SHOT: Tips for finding a COVID-19 vaccine appointment