Another 21 in Minnesota die from coronavirus complications

Minnesota health officials said Friday another 21 people have died of coronavirus complications, matching the highest one-day death toll announced Thursday.

The Department of Health also said there are 243 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19, raising Minnesota’s total to 3,185.

State data shows the largest percentage of cases involved people age 20 to 44.

The department’s Public Health Lab and other private labs have completed 53,787 tests. Health officials say 278 coronavirus patients are hospitalized as of Friday.

Health officials have said the real number of Minnesotans infected with the coronavirus is likely much higher because most people don’t qualify for testing, and studies suggest people can be infected without feeling sick.

Gov. Tim Walz has said the new case numbers will climb as the state implements a plan for increasing testing capacity to up to 20,000 per day through a partnership with the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic.