Coronavirus: Minnesota Reports 72 Deaths As Surge Continues

TWIN CITIES, MN — Minnesota health officials reported 72 deaths Wednesday, which ties the state record for daily deaths, which was set Thursday. A total of 6,399 new cases were reported as well.

Wednesday's numbers indicate that Minnesota's surge in COVID-19 deaths and cases is not slowing down.

As Minnesota and other around the country prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, state health officials are providing the following reminders:

• "Hospitals are reaching a breaking point"
• "Even if you’re not at high risk, you can get others very sick"
• "It will take many months after a vaccine is approved before it’s readily available to the general public"
• "We still don’t know everything about the virus

Relief package in the works for restaurants, workers

Gov. Tim Walz Tuesday morning announced his plan to provide economic to businesses and workers amid the coronavirus pandemic. While at The Nook restaurant in St. Paul, the governor promised to work with legislators on a statewide relief package.

On Friday, Walz's administration began enforcing the "four-week pause" on social activities, in-person dining, sports, and gym usage as a way to combat the latest spike in COVID-19 cases and deaths.