Minnesota Tops 5,000 Coronavirus Cases for First Time

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials reported more than 5,000 new coronavirus cases on Friday for the first time since the pandemic began.

Friday's case total marks the fourth day in a row the state has broken its single-day record. The 36 deaths reported by the state health department on Friday are the most in a single day since the start of the pandemic.

State health officials and hospitals statewide are bracing for more hospitalizations, which is a lagging indicator that usually follows case growth.

The updated numbers bring Minnesota’s totals to more than 170,000 cases and nearly 2,600 deaths.

New COVID-19 Cases Reported Today by County

• Stearns: 335
• Sherburne: 181
• Wright: 154
• Benton: 88
• Mille Lacs: 60
• Morrison: 41

Free saliva testing for COVID-19 is available at the River's Edge Convention Center in downtown St. Cloud for anyone who believes they need to be tested, with or without symptoms. The testing is available Wednesdays through Fridays from Noon to 7 PM, as well as Saturdays & Sundays from 10 AM to 4 PM. You can schedule an appointment HERE.