COVID levels rise by 50% in Minnesota compared to pre-Thanksgiving levels
MINNEAPOLIS — New wastewater data from the University of Minnesota shows an uptick in COVID-19 cases statewide.
The data runs through Nov. 26, when people were still traveling for the holiday. Statewide, the data show there has been a 51% increase in COVID over the last two weeks, and a 21% increase over the last week. During the week of Thanksgiving more than 180 people in Minnesota were hospitalized with COVID-19.
For the week of Nov. 15 through Nov. 21, the Minnesota Department of Health reported a statewide case rate of 68.96 per 100,000 people.
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The metro area saw a 61% increase in viral load over the last two weeks, and a 28% increase in the last week.
Areas of northern and northwestern Minnesota — including Bemidji, Moorhead, and Thief River Falls — all saw an increase of over 250% in the last two weeks. However, COVID loads in southern Minnesota — including Albert Lea, Rochester, Lanesboro, and Winona — remained steady compared to the weeks prior.
The Centers for Disease Control says that COVID-19 activity remains elevated nationwide, though RSV test positivity exceeds COVID-19 test positivity. Minnesota's respiratory illness activity level remains minimal compared to the rest of the nation.
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Still, the CDC recommends that all people ages 6 months and older stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines and their seasonal flu vaccine. Uptake has been lower than what organization was hoping for: As of Nov. 18, 15.7% of adults have received their updated COVID-19 vaccine.