- A record of 7,228 new COVID-19 cases reported in the last 24 hours
- Total case count in the state crosses 200,000 mark
- 62 of 87 counties now under distance learning recommendations
- Eleven new COVID-19 testing sites to open across Minnesota; mail order testing program now available statewide
Thursday, Nov. 12
Noon
Newly released data from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) shows full distance learning is now recommended in 62 of Minnesota's 87 counties, and all of the state's counties now fall under minimum guidance of hybrid learning.
The new guidance is based on COVID-19 case rates per 10,000 people in each county between Oct. 18 and Oct. 31.
The full distance learning recommendation includes Anoka, Hennepin, Scott and Washington counties in the Twin Cities metro area, while Dakota and Ramsey counties are both within a point of falling under the same recommendations.
State officials have emphasized that this case data alone does not automatically determine the learning plan or any changes for a particular county or school district; the data is meant to be used as guidance in each district or school's decision-making process.
According to the state's Safe Learning Plan, the county case data leads to five recommended learning models:
- 0-9 cases per 10,000: In-person learning for all students
- 10-19 cases per 10,000: In-person learning for elementary students, hybrid learning for secondary students
- 20-29 cases per 10,000: Hybrid learning for all students
- 30-49 cases per 10,000: Hybrid learning for elementary students, distance learning for secondary students
- 50 or more cases per 10,000: Distance learning for all students
However, no counties currently fall into the two lowest recommended categories.
Minnesota officials also announced 11 new in-person testing sites, all opening this month. They're listed below. Additionally, the COVID-19 Test at Home program is now available to all Minnesotans across the state -- with or without insurance.
- Albert Lea National Guard Armory
410 Prospect Ave.
Opens Nov. 18 - Anoka National Guard Armory
408 Main Street E
Opens Nov. 17 - Crookston National Guard Armory
1801 University Ave.
Opens Nov. 16 - Fairmont National Guard Armory
700 N Fairlakes Ave.
Opens Nov. 18 - Hibbing National Guard Armory
2310 Brooklyn Dr.
Opens Nov. 18 - Hutchinson National Guard Armory
1200 Adams St. SE
Opens Nov. 30 - Inver Grove Heights
National Guard Armory
8076 Babcock Trail
Opens Nov. 17 - Morris National Guard Armory
722 Iowa Ave.
Opens Nov. 18 - Stillwater National Guard Armory
350 Maryknoll Dr. N.
Opens Nov. 16 - Wadena National Guard Armory
517 Jefferson St. N.
Opens Nov. 18
11 a.m.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reported a single-day record high of 7,228 COVID-19 cases Thursday.
The total case count in Minnesota since the start of the pandemic has now crossed the 200,000 mark with 201,795 cases.
There were 39 newly reported deaths Thursday, which brings the death count in the state to 2,793. Out of the 39 deaths, 23 were in long-term or assisted care facilities.
Of the cumulative case count, 159,467 Minnesotans no longer require isolation, according to MDH.
The 201,795 cases come from an approximate total of 3,253,880 tests completed by MDH and external laboratories.
A total of 12,443 have been hospitalized and 3,086 of the cases have been in the ICU at one point. There are currently 1,017 hospital beds in use for COVID and 282 ICU beds.
Young adults ages 20-24 have the largest share of infections with 23,824 cases and one death.
However, seniors ages 85-90 have the largest share of deaths with 511 deaths and 2,606 cases.
Hennepin County continues to report the most COVID activity with 46,555 cases and 1,033 deaths, followed by Ramsey County with 19,535 cases and 423 deaths. Anoka County reports 14,363 cases and 185 deaths.
Wednesday, Nov. 11
11 a.m.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reported a single-day record high of 56 deaths due to COVID-19 complications Wednesday.
This brings the total COVID-19 death count of Minnesotans to 2,754.
MDH also reported 4,900 new cases Wednesday. This brings the cumulative case count to 194,570.
Cumulative hospitalizations in the state are at 12,151 with 3,032 of them requiring ICU usage.
Young adults are the group with the largest amount of infections in the state. Patients ages 20-24 account for 22,968 of the cases and one death.
Patients ages 85-89 have the most deaths with 508 deaths out of 2,534 cases.
Hennepin County continues to report the most COVID activity with 45,372 cases and 1,030 deaths, followed by Ramsey County with 18,969 cases and 419 deaths. Dakota County reports 13,634 cases and 152 deaths.
KARE 11’s coverage of the coronavirus is rooted in Facts, not Fear. Visit kare11.com/coronavirus for comprehensive coverage, find out what you need to know about the Midwest specifically, learn more about the symptoms, and see what businesses are open as the state slowly lifts restrictions. Have a question? Text it to us at 763-797-7215. And get the latest coronavirus updates sent right to your inbox every morning. Subscribe to the KARE 11 Sunrise newsletter here. Help local families in need: www.kare11.com/give11.
The state of Minnesota has set up a data portal online at mn.gov/covid19.