A key indicator in Minnesota’s pandemic response is going in the opposite direction.
Minnesota’s COVID-19 dashboard reported Tuesday that a new high of 38% of confirmed novel coronavirus infections came from unknown community sources.
The rate is above Minnesota’s goal of no more than 30%, meaning the SARS-CoV-2 virus is spreading beyond the state’s ability to track it and contain it.
While it’s impossible to identify all sources of COVID-19, state health officials said this increase was an expected result of rising infection numbers and viral spread. They urged people to reduce their risks through mask-wearing and social distancing, which in turn will cut the rate of unknown infections.
“It is reasonable that with increasing cases there is increased chance to acquire the virus in the community without knowing from whom or where,” said Kris Ehresmann, state infectious disease director. “It is a concerning yet anticipated trend when cases increase.” Continue reading.