Minnesota has hit a grim new record this day after Thanksgiving — 101 new deaths from COVID — topping the previous daily high by 29 fatalities. State Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm calls it a sad development but not a surprising one. Officials have been sounding the alarm for weeks about dramatic increases in the number of COVID cases, prompting Governor Tim Walz to order a four-week closure of bars, restaurants and fitness facilities which is now entering its second weekend.
Health Commissioner Malcolm says “we must redouble our efforts to protect each other – especially those who are at higher risk of developing severe illness. 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 if you must go out, wear a mask over your mouth and nose, and stay at least six feet from others.
Of the 101 new deaths, 64 were residents of long-term care facilities, one was from a group home, and one jail or prison inmate died.