States with looser restrictions becoming 'red zones' of COVID spread

ROCHESTER, Minn. — After months of decline, hospitalizations for COVID-19 have begun to approach the highs last seen during the springtime peak of the epidemic, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

At 9.5 hospitalizations per 100,000 residents, the statewide rate of serious COVID-19 has more than doubled from the 4.1 posted in late June. The state's current COVID-19 hospitalization rate is closing in on a statewide high-water mark of 11 hospitalizations per 100,000 residents set on May 21.

Also troubling, according to state director of infectious disease Kris Ehresmann, ICU use in the metro Twin Cities is now over 90% capacity. Statewide the rate fares little better, with ICU use hovering between 80-90% of available capacity.

https://www.inforum.com/newsmd/coronavirus/6723295-States-with-looser-restrictions-becoming-red-zones-of-COVID-spread