Minnesota reports 29 more COVID-19 deaths; Walz to speak

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota has recorded 29 more COVID-19 deaths, the second-highest one-day death toll of the pandemic, the state health department reported Wednesday.

The new deaths raised the state's total to 777, which includes 635 residents of long-term care facilities. The state's highest one-day death toll was 30 reported May 6. All but three of the new deaths involved residents of long-term care facilities.

The department also reported 645 new confirmed cases for a total of 17,670.

The number of people hospitalized with the disease inched up to a new one-day high of 550, up five from Tuesday, but the number of patients in intensive care fell by 17 to 212.

Another 12,227 patients have recovered to the point where they no longer need isolation.

The department released the numbers just ahead of Gov. Tim Walz's scheduled announcement Wednesday about plans for a phased reopening of bars, restaurants, salons and other establishments, with restrictions meant to limit the spread of the coronavirus.