COVID-19 Kills 19 More Minnesotans in Biggest 1-day Jump Yet

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — COVID-19 has killed 19 more Minnesotans, marking the largest one-day death toll since the pandemic reached the state, the Minnesota Department of Health reported Wednesday.

The 19 new deaths raised the state’s total to 179. The department also reported 154 new confirmed cases, a big one-day jump that raised the state’s total to 2,721.

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 department also said 240 Minnesotans were hospitalized with the disease as of Wednesday, up three from Tuesday, while 107 were in intensive care, down 10 from Tuesday.

Another 1,317 patients have recovered and no longer need isolation.

The number of confirmed cases in St. Louis was at 54 Wednesday morning, up one from the day before. The county is still reporting 10 deaths.