Record-Breaking 7,228 Coronavirus Cases Reported In MN Thursday

MINNESOTA — A record-breaking 7,228 new cases of coronavirus were reported in Minnesota Thursday, along with 39 deaths. Thursday's numbers continue November's trend of record-setting highs in new cases, hospitalizations, and deaths due to COVID-19.

"Minnesota is in a dangerous phase of the pandemic with a dramatic jump in new cases," said Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm in a statement earlier this week.

• Minnesota Coronavirus Guide For Thanksgiving, Black Friday 2020

"We've seen in other states how bad things can get when you have this kind of growth, and that's why it's critical that we take the right actions now to slow the spread of this disease. These focused actions taken by Governor Walz are designed to address some of the hottest of the hot spots we've seen and reduce the burden on our health care system and the heroes providing care to all of us."

Minnesota's neighboring states have the highest infection rates in the U.S., and Minnesota's own case positivity rate is above 10 percent. That is double the level at which COVID-19 spread is considered controllable, according to state officials.

New restrictions to combat spikes

Gov. Tim Walz Tuesday announced new restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus in Minnesota. The new restrictions will apply to celebrations, receptions, bars, and restaurants, which are "the most significant sources of COVID-19 outbreaks," according to Walz's office.

Read more: MN Gov. Walz Announces New Coronavirus Restrictions: List