As 2020 comes to an end, 61 additional deaths due to COVID-19 and more than 2,200 new coronavirus cases were reported in Minnesota, the state Health Department said Thursday.

Since the virus was detected in Minnesota in March, the state has reported 415,302 positive cases, 21,864 hospitalizations and 5,323 deaths.

Residents of long-term care and assisted-living facilities accounted for 37 of the newly announced deaths Thursday, and 3,431 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

The state's one-day count of 2,204 new cases came on a volume of 48,440 newly completed tests.

Numbers released Thursday show health care workers have accounted for 32,194 positive cases. More than 397,080 people who were infected no longer need to be isolated.

Some 44,638 Minnesotans have received a COVID-19 vaccine since the shots arrived two weeks ago.

COVID-19 a respiratory ailment that poses the greatest risk of serious illness in those 65 and older, residents of long-term care facilities and people with underlying medical conditions.

The disease is caused by a coronavirus that surfaced late last year. Health problems that boost COVID-19 risks range from lung disease and serious heart conditions to obesity and diabetes.

Most patients with COVID-19 don't need to be hospitalized. Most illnesses involve mild or moderate symptoms; many cases are asymptomatic.

Data released Thursday morning was current as of 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Janet Moore • 612-673-7752 @ByJanetMoore