Positivity rate for COVID-19 climbs to 9% in Minnesota

Published 6:55 pm Tuesday, November 3, 2020

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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The positivity rate for coronavirus tests increased to 9% Tuesday in Minnesota, after previously hovering around 5%, an unwelcome sign that the diseases is spreading rapidly in the state.

The Minnesota Department of Health reported 3,483 new positive cases and 15 additional deaths compared to Monday. A total of 157,096 people have been infected with COVID-19 in Minnesota and 2,499 people have died.

It’s just not one or two big events that have caused cases to rise rapidly, state Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm told the Star Tribune.

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“It’s the happy hour at the end of the long week with just a couple friends or brunch on the weekend with maybe a few cousins … It’s the weddings,” Malcolm said. “Everybody really tries hard during the ceremony to comply with the safety guidance and much of the reception, but as the night wears on, people start letting their guards down.”

The state has investigated 172 bar or restaurant outbreaks and identified 92 that likely generated seven or more infections. Eighty-two weddings have been linked to 756 infections.

Health officials are concerned about the rising number of cases that require hospital admittance. Minnesota hospitals on Tuesday reported a record 852 people with COVID-19, including 197 people who needed intensive care due to breathing problems or other complications.