COVID-19 cases, deaths rise as restrictions set to be eased

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials on Sunday confirmed 156 new cases of the coronavirus, raising the total number to more than 3,600.

The updated report includes 28 deaths from COVID-19, for a statewide total of 272. All but five of the victims were in long-term care facilities, the state Department of Health said.

A total of 829 people have required hospitalization. Of those, 285 remain in those facilities, with 115 in intensive care.

Gov. Tim Walz last week said Minnesota’s schools will remain closed through the end of the academic year, but stay-at-home restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus will be eased to allow up to 100,000 people return to work this week.

“We continue our work along with many partners around the state to protect Minnesotans and prevent additional deaths,” Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said in a statement.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.