Record-Breaking 101 Coronavirus Deaths Reported In MN
TWIN CITIES, MN — Minnesota saw yet another grim coronavirus record broken Friday. The state recorded 101 deaths in a single day. The previous daily death toll record was 72, which was reported only Wednesday.
Minnesota has recorded 3,476 deaths since COVID-19 was first spread to the state almost nine months ago.
"Thanksgiving Weekend is a sad time to have to report a new daily record for COVID-19 deaths in Minnesota," Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said in a statement Friday.
"This is a sad development, but it is not a surprising development. For weeks we have been sounding the alarm about the dramatic growth in COVID-19 cases. We know that more cases leads to more hospitalizations and deaths, and today’s news reinforces that tragic pattern."
Families across Minnesota Thursday skipped annual Thanksgiving Day celebrations and traditions to avoid spreading the virus. Others continued on like normal.
"As we make our way through the next few weeks and a holiday season unlike any we have experienced, we must redouble our efforts to protect each other – especially those who are at higher risk of developing severe illness," Malcolm continued.
"Every public activity now is more risky than it was even a few weeks ago, so the best way to slow this spread is for people to stay home and away from gatherings with those outside of our immediate household. And we need everyone leaving their home to follow the basic recommendations every time. That means staying 6 feet apart from others, wearing your mask over your nose and mouth, staying home when sick, and getting tested when appropriate."
Minnesota is currently under Gov. Tim Walz's plan for a "four-week pause" on social activities, in-person dining, sports, and gym usage as a way to combat the latest spike in virus cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.
"This is painful and frustrating, but every day we get closer to having safe and effective vaccines that should help resolve this crisis," Malcolm said.
"We anxiously await that day, and until then we all must do our part to ensure that all of our loved ones, friends and neighbors can celebrate those days with us."
This article originally appeared on the Southwest Minneapolis Patch
