Numbers Spike for Minnesotans in Intensive Care for COVID-19

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The number of Minnesotans hospitalized in intensive care with COVID-19 has jumped for three straight days to the highest levels yet, health officials said Monday.

The Minnesota Department of Health reported 166 patients in intensive care units as of Monday, up 11 from a one-day high of 155 set Sunday and a high of 135 set Saturday. A total of 396 patients were hospitalized, up 23 from Sunday.

The state’s count of confirmed cases rose by 571 to 7,234 . Health officials say the confirmed case counts are substantially lower than the actual number of coronavirus infections because many patients don’t get tested and many don’t show symptoms.

Minnesota’s death toll rose by nine to 428. Out of that total, 345 deaths have been in residents of long-term care or assisted living facilities.

The number of tests completed dipped over the weekend, which officials say it often does on weekends, to 3,309 reported Monday. That compares with a one-day high of 4.553 set Friday as the state ramps up its testing capacity.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.