There were nearly 1,500 new COVID-19 cases reported in area counties this week, according to Minnesota Department of Health reports, and 16 newly reported deaths. Meeker and Swift counties each had four new deaths attributed to COVID-19.
Minnesotans continued to test positive at an average rate of more than 4,285 a day in the past week, and deaths increased by 256. Hospitalizations are approaching totals last seen in the fall 2020 surge, which occurred before vaccines were available.
Minnesotans continue to test positive for COVID-19 at an average of more than 4,000 a day, and deaths have increased in the past week's update from the Minnesota Department of Health. Case numbers and deaths have continued to rise in west central Minnesota, too.
There were seven newly reported deaths in the region in the past week, including four in Kandiyohi County. The state on Friday reported 3,378 new cases, which may include reinfections.
The Minnesota Department of Health reported 3,348 new cases of COVID-19 and 16 deaths in its Friday update. The total number of cases rose by more than 17,000 in the past week. In west central Minnesota, cases rose by nearly 1,600 in the past week.