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While many people are following the guide, some Minnesotans are not, Ehresmann said, and if trends continue to decline, rebinding would affect everyone and impact the state’s economy in a way that could be avoided simply by using a mask, social distancing, avoiding large crowds or gatherings, and staying home when feeling sick.
“We all need to take this seriously and it’s not just about restricting certain environments … People make a big difference to the decisions they make,” Malcolm said.
KSTP’s Full COVID-19 Coverage
Malcolm said that, across the country, getting people to take the same precautions in private settings as in public settings has been a problem. That is true in Minnesota.
Monday was the 10th consecutive day the state reported more than 1,000 cases. Malcolm also noted that cases were up 9.6% while testing was up 7.8%, so Minnesota is seeing faster growth in cases than testing. The state’s seven-day median positivity rate is 5.8%, up from 4.9% last week.
With various COVID measures possibly re-dialing in a “caution zone” and heading in the wrong direction, Malcolm said it’s important to track risk measures together, but context is also important. MDH is still monitoring them closely and urging people to simply follow the guide to help them get back in the right direction.
With the holidays looming, Malcolm urged Minnesotans to rethink how they can celebrate the holidays. With people gathering, especially during the winter months, since most meetings are indoors, MDH urged people to limit risks to help stop the spread. Some ways to do this include having very small gatherings of less than 10 people, having masked and socially distanced gatherings, and limiting contact with people outside of your family. Ehresmann pointed out that there will still be risk, but they know there will always be some risk involved. They simply urge Minnesotans to take all possible steps to limit those risks.
Judge Re-Enforces Wisconsin’s Capacity Limit Order
Some other highlights from Monday’s call are below:
- This week is Infection Prevention and Control Week. Ehresmann asked people to thank those who are working to help prevent infections, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Ehresmann urged voters to be safe and help reduce the spread of COVID-19. He noted that some very safe options include mail ballots or leaving a ballot in a mailbox. However, voters can also be safe when voting in person by voting during off-peak hours, wearing a mask, distancing themselves socially, washing their hands and using disinfectant, covering their mouths when coughing and sneezing, and staying home. when they feel sick.
- Hospital capacity and ICU occupancy has been over 90% full during October on the subway and over 80% statewide. Malcolm and Ehresmann noted that COVID-19 is part of those high occupancy rates, but most of it comes from other diseases. Ehresmann noted that only 9% of ICU use last month was due to COVID hospitalizations.
- Four COVID outbreaks have been linked to hair salons or barbershops across the state involving both customers and staff.
- Another new saliva testing site for COVID-19 is scheduled to open in Brooklyn Park on Tuesday.
- With a capacity limit for bars and restaurants restored in Wisconsin on Monday, Malcolm said he believes Gov. Tim Walz will keep all options open for the possible implementation of new COVID restrictions. However, they prefer to keep things open as is and have people follow health guidelines to reduce the spread of the virus. If that doesn’t happen, it is possible to redial.
- Malcolm said the state ranks 39th in most COVID-19 cases on a per capita basis and is also doing well with long-term care facilities. However, a recent concern has arisen that cases are increasing more rapidly in Minnesota and outpacing the growth of the evidence, while nearby states also experience outbreaks.
- Ehresmann was also asked about face shields versus masks to stop the spread of COVID-19, particularly in restaurants, and said masks are preferred because they completely cover both the mouth and nose.
5 new deaths from COVID-19, 1,632 new cases reported by MDH
