Minnesota's 2021 death toll well above expected total despite vaccine

More than 5,000 COVID-19 deaths in the state last year account for most of the increase

Mar 11, 20220

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Overwhelming numbers of COVID-19 patients at hospitals this winter delayed patient care and likely contributed to Minnesota's excess death numbers in 2021.

The year of COVID-19 vaccines was still a deadly one in Minnesota, with deaths from all causes in 2021 more than 15% higher than expected - mostly because of the pandemic and drug abuse.

Minnesota should have tallied 44,000 deaths in 2021 based on previous years, but the state has surpassed 51,000 reported so far and could exceed its record set in 2020 after all death certificates are recorded.

Deaths in Minnesota still higher than average in 2021

There were about 15% more deaths in 2021 than pre-pandemic average. COVID-19 and accidental drug overdoses accounted for most of the excess.

https://www.startribune.com/minnesotas-2021-death-toll-well-above-expected-total-despite-vaccine/600154760/