MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota reported one of the largest one-day tallies of new coronavirus cases on Saturday as 2,268 people tested positive.
The number of new cases is the second-highest reported during the pandemic, just below the 2,297 cases reported on Oct. 16. The positivity rate of testing has also climbed in recent days, which is an indication that infections are increasing. The seven-day average positivity rate was 6.53%, according to date from the COVID Tracking Project.
Health officials have said the uptick in cases is due to more infections spreading among people rather than increased testing showing more cases.
The upward trend in new cases has been followed by an uptick in deaths from COVID-19, with the seven-day average number of deaths at over 14. The Minnesota Department of Health reported 14 more deaths Saturday, bringing the state’s death toll to 2,328.
Nine of the deaths reported Saturday were people living in long-term care and assisted-living facilities.