COVID-19 hospitalizations have declined in one week from 1,008 to 907 in Minnesota, which is showing more signs of a peak in its latest pandemic wave.
The positivity rate of diagnostic testing has declined as well in Minnesota from 8.3% to 7.8% but has been above the 5% caution threshold for nearly three months because of a fast-spreading delta variant of the coronavirus.
Minnesota's rate of coronavirus infections in the past seven days ranks 11th highest in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but the state could be following the pattern of others in the South that had severe pandemic waves this summer that are in steady decline.
Mayo Clinic's 14-day modeling forecast for the first time in months predicts no increase in the state's infection rate over the next two weeks.
The state nonetheless reported on Monday another 22 COVID-19 deaths and 3,010 coronavirus infections, raising Minnesota's pandemic totals to 8,559 deaths and 773,227 confirmed infections.
While 86% of total COVID-19 deaths have occurred in seniors, Monday's update included the deaths of three people in their 40s and a Ramsey County resident in the 35 to 39 age range.
Health officials urged unvaccinated people to seek shots against COVID-19 and vaccinated people to follow new guidance for booster doses to reduce the risk of coronavirus infections.
"COVID is really not a disease that you want," said Dr. Ruth Lynfield, state epidemiologist, noting the threat of lingering complications from infection as well. "If you can prevent it easily with the vaccine, that is a great thing to do."
