There are some serious concerns about COVID-19 in the state as we head into the Labor Day weekend.1,047 new cases are being reported today, which is the second-highest daily total in Minnesota since the pandemic began. Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm says they're extremely concerned about the spike.
"We are very worried about the high level of cases because we've learned so much more about this virus. We are now learning about potential and real complications of COVID and disease that are so far, we don't know how long these effects may last."
After the death of a Minnesota man who attended the Sturgis motorcycle rally, Malcolm says that there is a lot of worry because of what COVID can do to the body.
"We are seeing very concerning and severe health consequences among people who have had COVID, even potentially milder cases of COVID who come down with significant complications later on. So we are focused on trying to reduce the number of cases in order to prevent long-term health damage in addition to hospitalizations and mortality."
Malcolm says they're especially concerned about gatherings and social activities over the long holiday weekend pushing the number of positive cases even higher.
The department is reminding everyone about three key prevention measures-- social distancing, mask-wearing, and avoiding large crowds.