779 new COVID-19 cases in Minnesota - Minneapolis Star Tribune

Minnesota reported another 779 novel coronavirus infections on Friday across 64 counties, where local leaders and residents are now eyeing case growth as a determining factor in if or how their schools will open this fall.

State totals since the start of the pandemic are now 1,600 deaths and 54,463 lab-confirmed infections.

Another single infection was reported Friday in southwestern Pipestone County, which has the state’s highest rate in the last two weeks of 70 cases per 10,000 residents.

More than 80% of COVID-19 deaths have involved people 70 and older, even though they make up only 9% of the lab-confirmed infections.

Five of the deaths reported Friday involved people 70 or older, but one involved someone from Olmsted County in the 20s age range.

The state threshold is fewer than 10 cases per 10,000 people per two weeks for schools to consider all in-person classes.

Recent research out of South Korea and other nations influenced the new school reopening strategy, said state Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm.