Minnesota Department of Health releases data on COVID-19 deaths in long-term care

Amid mounting public pressure, the Minnesota Department of Health released stark new data on the deadly impact of the novel coronavirus on long-term care facilities across the state.

The data were released late Friday in response to a threat of a legislative subpoena by a prominent lawmaker and provide the most detailed look yet into the types of long-term care facilities where people are dying of the virus and the state's efforts to contain its spread through more aggressive testing and inspections.

As public health experts had warned, residents and staff of Minnesota's nursing homes are the most vulnerable to COVID-19, the deadly respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus, accounting for two-thirds of all deaths in long-term care. As of June 1, nursing homes reported 2,973 cases and 608 deaths from the virus statewide. Assisted-living facilities, which typically provide a less-intensive level of care, had 1,243 cases and 259 deaths, the state said. Another 29 residents have died of the virus in specialized memory care units, the agency said.

https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-department-of-health-releases-data-on-covid-19-deaths-in-long-term-care/571120402/