COVID-19 hospitalizations drop below 1,000 in Minnesota

Pressure on Minnesota ICUs abates as influenza season appears to peak as well

Feb 16, 20220

Alex Kormann, Star Tribune count

Overcrowding has eased in Minnesota since mid-December, when rising COVID-19 cases compelled nurses to treat patients in the ER hallways at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids.

COVID-19 hospitalizations have dropped below 1,000 for the first time in Minnesota since early November, easing pressure on the state's medical system.

The 898 COVID-19 hospitalizations on Monday included 145 people placed in intensive care. That is the lowest number since late August, reflecting an omicron variant that spread with unprecedented ease but caused a lower rate of severe infections.

Health officials are hopeful that Minnesota will have a prolonged respite from COVID-19 now that the wave of omicron infections is nearing a low point. The state reported another 32 COVID-19 deaths and 6,469 infections on Tuesday, reflecting pandemic activity detected over three days this weekend. Seven-day averages have plateaued for deaths and declined for infections.

https://www.startribune.com/covid-19-hospitalizations-drop-below-1000-in-minnesota/600147019/