Minnesota to expand access to COVID treatment; 37 deaths reported Tuesday

ST. PAUL — Minnesota officials have announced plans to expand access to COVID-19 treatment as a November surge in hospitalizations in the state wears on.

More than 1,400 people were in the hospital for COVID-19 on Tuesday, Nov. 23, according to state health department numbers, a high reached earlier this month and not seen since December 2020. In response, M Health Fairview and the Minnesota Department of Health are expanding access to monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 in Greater Minnesota and the Twin Cities, Gov. Tim Walz's office announced Tuesday.

The expansion will mean a 50% capacity increase for the treatment in the Twin Cities area, the governor's office said. The Minnesota Department of Health has also asked for additional federal staffing assistance at central Minnesota hospitals, where many counties are experiencing some of the worst case rates in the state.

https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/newsmd/coronavirus/7295032-Minnesota-to-expand-access-to-COVID-treatment-37-deaths-reported-Tuesday