Minnesota Coronavirus Deaths Cross 400; Cases Near 6,700

Nearly 6,700 cases of the new coronavirus have been confirmed in Minnesota as of Sunday morning, according to the latest data from the Minnesota Department of Health. The department also reports than over 400 Minnesotans have now died from the illness.

According to health officials, there are now 6,663 confirmed COVID-19 illnesses in the state and 419 patients have died with an overwhelming majority of those cases in long-term care or assisted living faciliites. The data show that 338 people who have died from the illness lived in long-term care of assisted living facilities.

The new cases represent an increase of 435 cases since Saturday and an increase of 24 deaths.

Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in Minnesota. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.

Over 82,000 tests for the virus have been administered in Minnesota and over the weekend, the department reports that 579 tests were completed.

As of Sunday, just over 3,000 patients are no longer in isolation. Currently, 373 patients are in the hospital and 155 are in the intensive care unit. Since the outbreak began, just under 1,200 patients have needed to be hospitalized due to the illness.

Hennepin, Nobles, Stearns, Ramsey and Anoka counties have the most number of cases in the state. Nobles County, where there are 940 confirmed cases of the illness, is home to a pork production facility that announced earlier this month it was closing indefinitely due to the spread of illness in the facility.

SEE ALSO:

MN Stay Home Order: Rules For Weddings, Funerals, Travel, More
Gov. Tim Walz Thursday extended the "Stay Home" order in Minnesota until Monday, May 18. However, starting May 4, retail businesses and other non-critical businesses may begin offering curbside pick-up. This will put up to 30,000 Minnesotans back to work in a safe, coordinated way, officials said in a news release.

COVID-19 Hits 125 Care Facilities In Minnesota
A total of 125 care facilities in Minnesota have been hit with an exposure to the new coronavirus. Of those, 61 are located in Hennepin County.

Minneapolis Public Schools To Host Virtual Graduations
The Minneapolis Public Schools Class of 2020 will take part in the district's first-ever virtual graduation ceremonies. Faced with the need for families to finalize their graduation plans amid ongoing new coronavirus concerns and the need for social distancing, the district has decided to move in this unprecedented direction.