The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in west central Minnesota grew by nearly 100 in the third week of October. Hospitalizations doubled, from 11 the week prior to 23 last week.
The total number of new confirmed cases of COVID-19 dropped in the first week of October, but the state still reported more than 5,000 new cases in the state, not counting positive home tests. The number of people in the state hospitalized with COVID-19 has been more than 400 per day over the last week.
COVID-19 confirmed cases continue to increase by 850+ a day in Minnesota, and hospitalizations rose in the past week. Nearly 70% of the state has completed the initial vaccine series, but only 6% of Minnesotans have had their recommended boosters and are considered up to date with their vaccinations.
The state reported more than 6,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 last week and 34 deaths. Both those numbers fell slightly from the week before, as did hospitalizations. However, hospitalizations were more than 400 a day and have been for most of the past five months.
More than 430 people are hospitalized in Minnesota with COVID-19, an increase of about 80 from a week ago, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. The number of deaths has increased in recent weeks, too.