1,048 new COVID-19 cases, 7 new deaths reported in Minnesota

Seven more people have died of COVID-19 in Minnesota, officials reported Sunday.

The Minnesota Department of Health reported a net increase of 1,048 new confirmed corona­virus infections, according to a data release Sunday morning.

That brings the total number of cases confirmed in Minnesota to 103,826. Statewide, the pandemic's toll reached 2,080 deaths.

Residents of long-term care and assisted-living facilities accounted for four of the newly announced deaths, which came on a volume of about 28,830 completed tests.

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus that surfaced late last year. Since the first case was reported in Minnesota in early March, 7,887 people have been hospitalized.

People at greatest risk from COVID-19 include those 65 and older, residents of long-term care facilities and those with underlying medical conditions. Those health problems range from lung disease and serious heart conditions to severe obesity and diabetes. Those with kidney failure, cancer and other immune system-suppressing conditions also run a greater risk.

Most patients with COVID-19 don't need to be hospitalized. The illness usually causes mild or moderate sickness, and many cases lack symptoms.