The Minnesota Department of Health says hospitalization data shows COVID cases are on the rise in the state. The variants currently circulating are KP.2 and KP.3, which aren’t particularly new as they’ve been around for a few months.
Dr. Keely Morris, senior epidemiologist for the Minnesota Department of Health, said these variants are on the rise and added, “These variants are similar to other variants we’ve dealt with. They’re just a little bit better at evading existing immunity from vaccination against COVID-19 infection.”
MDH is unable to track COVID case numbers because many people are getting tested at home or have stopped getting tested altogether when they’re sick. However, they are able to track COVID activity through hospitalizations, “Across the state we’re seeing an increase in hospitalizations. Overall, it’s a little bit lower than the number of hospitalizations we saw during the winter time.”
“I would say that the northeast of Minnesota is seeing lower hospitalizations than other parts of the state … COVID-19 doesn’t really respect geographic boundaries. So, we do expect to see an increase in hospitalizations everywhere in Minnesota in the coming week because of these variants.”
It is recommended that high-risk groups, such as those 65+, those who are immunocompromised/have chronic illnesses, pregnant people, or residents of long-term care facilities, stay up to date on booster recommendations. At-risk groups may need to get boosters more frequently than the standard once every year for everyone else.
Only 14% of Minnesotans have gotten a COVID booster. In the Northland, that number is about 11%.
If you are in a situation where you may be exposed to COVID-19, it is a good idea to wear a mask and wash your hands. People with weakened immunity should take antiviral treatment if they become infected.
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