Tuesday COVID-19 update: New cases down for first time in weeks

Oct. 19—Data released Tuesday by state health officials suggests there's a chance Minnesota's fourth wave of COVID-19 infections might be beginning to ebb.

The 5,663 new infections reported Tuesday was about 29 percent fewer new cases than were reported a week ago. Health officials report new data each business day that is current through 4 a.m. the previous business day and Tuesday's release typically includes data from multiple days over the weekend.

Test positivity was also slightly lower Tuesday, with the current seven-day average rate falling below 7 percent for the first time in nearly two weeks. The number of tests reported Tuesday also declined week-over-week by about 16 percent.

Hospitalizations fell a bit lower with 950 patients needing care, including 246 in critical condition. Yet, empty hospital beds, particularly those in intensive care, continue to be in short supply statewide.

The rate of deaths remains high at an average of about 16 per day. That's higher than during the spring surge, but below the worst of early 2021 when the state's biggest spike in cases was subsiding.

There were 21 additional COVID-19 fatalities reported Tuesday, ranging in age from their 30s to their 90s. Five of the latest deaths to be reported lived in long-term care and 16 resided in private homes.

Nineteen of the deaths occurred in October, one in September and one dates to April. COVID-19 deaths are not reported in a uniform way because each fatality is investigated to determine if it should be included in the state's tally.

The death toll is 8,457, including 4,709 in long-term care. Another 124 deaths are suspected to have been caused by the COVID-19, but the person who died never had a positive coronavirus test.

The 5,663 new infections reported Tuesday bring the case total to 763,915 since the pandemic began — or about 14 percent of Minnesota's 5.8 million residents has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Of those who tested positive, 736,234 people, or 96 percent, have recovered enough they no longer need to be isolated.

The more contagious delta variant is the source of nearly all new infections in Minnesota. Health officials maintain that vaccines are the best way to avoid a severe infection and to slow the spread of COVID-19. The vast majority of hospitalized and critically ill patients have been unvaccinated.

Breakthrough infections are becoming more common, with 45,827 cases reported among nearly 3.2 million fully vaccinated residents. Of those, 2,178 people required hospital care and 263 died. Such COVID-19 victims are typically elderly with underlying health conditions.

Minnesota has administered 6.6 million doses of vaccine, and 3.4 million residents have gotten at least one shot. More than 250,000 third vaccine doses have also been administered.

About 62 percent of the state's eligible population has gotten at least one dose of vaccine.