COVID indicators' mixed signals leave Minnesota threat unclear through late summer

Wastewater levels declined in the Twin Cities, but other signs have pointed to rising COVID-19 levels in the state

Jul 29, 20220

Aaron Lavinsky, Star Tribune count

Arabelle Rohs of Sherburne County dressed as the COVID-19 virus as she stood with her llama, Sherlock, before the start of the 4-H Llama Costume Contest at last year's Minnesota State Fair.

Mixed COVID-19 statistics in Minnesota offer little indication of the direction of the pandemic - other than to say that the coronavirus isn't going away.

New infections held steady in the state at a daily average of 1,402 in the week ending July 22, according to Thursday's state situation update, but viral levels in Twin Cities' wastewater declined by 8% last week.

Severe COVID-19 levels haven't worsened, but they haven't improved either. The 417 COVID-19 hospitalizations Tuesday - 36 involving intensive care - reflected a stagnant number of infected patients this summer.

https://www.startribune.com/covid-indicators-mixed-signals-leave-minnesota-threat-unclear-through-late-summer/600193785/