Minnesota Mourns the Loss of 15,000 People to COVID-19
Minnesota has reached a grim milestone in its battle against COVID-19, as the state reported that 15,000 people have lost their lives to the infectious disease. To put this number into perspective, it is larger than the population of Brainerd, a city in Minnesota. The state has been grappling with the virus for 3½ years, and this latest figure serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for precautions.
The 274 days it took to reach this milestone is the longest gap between 1,000-death milestones since the beginning of the pandemic. It reflects the decreased risk of the virus due to the emergence of less virulent forms. However, experts caution that even with the current situation, it is crucial to continue taking precautions and consider receiving newly formulated vaccine boosters, which offer better protection against the latest variants of the coronavirus.
Michael Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, emphasized the impact of these deaths on communities, stating, “All of us know someone who has died from COVID in Minnesota. It’s our grandpas and our grandmas, our moms and our dads, our brothers and our sisters and…even our kids. That’s what is to be remembered in the 15,000.”
The number of daily deaths has increased, with more than two Minnesotans now succumbing to COVID-19 each day. Hospitalizations related to the virus have also risen, reaching their highest levels since early April. Despite these concerning statistics, Minnesota’s current COVID levels are similar to those seen in spring 2023, prompting federal health authorities to lift the nation’s public health emergency response to the pandemic.
One heartbreaking story is that of Nancy Passofaro-Nelson, who had been unable to receive the vaccine due to medical conditions. After encountering a relative who unknowingly had COVID-19, Passofaro-Nelson became infected and passed away. Her husband fondly remembers her as an avid geocacher, and the local community has organized events and tributes in her memory.
Age and underlying health conditions continue to be elevated risk factors for severe illness and death. People aged 65 and older have accounted for 92% of the 939 COVID-19 deaths in 2023. Some have questioned whether deaths associated with other conditions should be classified as COVID deaths, but experts emphasize that the infection is the match that ignites the fire of these underlying conditions.
Health officials are cautious about a potential winter surge in COVID cases, as each new variant introduces uncertainty and the possibility of more severe illness. Although the latest vaccine boosters were formulated against the XBB.1.5 variant, they are expected to be effective against the newly circulating strains. However, the demand for boosters currently exceeds supply, leading to challenges in distribution.
Minnesota residents are urged to seek recommended vaccinations, stay at home when sick, and take COVID tests. While the federal emergency response has ended, it is important for individuals to understand their health plan’s coverage for these resources. By taking these precautions, people can protect themselves and others who are vulnerable, and hopefully, slow down the pace of this devastating disease.