17 More Minnesotans Die of COVID-19 as State’s Death Toll Hits 160

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Seventeen more Minnesotans have died from COVID-19, raising the state’s death toll to 160, the Minnesota Department of Health reported Tuesday. The 17 new deaths tied a high set last Friday.

The department also reported 97 new confirmed cases to boost the state’s total to 2,576. It was the first time since last Tuesday that the department reported fewer than 100 new cases.

But health officials have cautioned that the real number of Minnesotans infected with the coronavirus is likely much higher because most people don’t qualify for testing.

The number of confirmed cases in St. Louis County is up to 53 and 10 reported deaths.

The department also said 237 Minnesotans were hospitalized with the disease as of Tuesday, a total that was unchanged from Monday. Those patients included 117 in intensive care, which is down nine from Monday.

Officials also said 1,254 patients have recovered and no longer need isolation.