MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Minnesota’s coronavirus death toll topped 300 people Tuesday as 15 new deaths raised the statewide total to 301, while the state reported its highest daily total of new cases yet.
The Minnesota Department of Health recorded 365 new confirmed cases, boosting the state’s total to 4,181. The previous high was 261 new cases Saturday.
The newly confirmed cases include 78 in Nobles County of southwestern Minnesota, the hardest-hit part of the state outside the Twin Cities area, where the big JBS pork plant in Worthington had to shut down because of the outbreak.
Health officials say the real number of Minnesotans infected with the coronavirus is likely much higher because most people don’t qualify for testing, and studies suggest that people can be infected without feeling sick. 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.
The department said 314 patients were hospitalized as of Tuesday, an increase of 22 from Monday, including 120 patients in intensive care, down two from Monday. It also said 1,912 patients no longer need isolation.
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