What's behind Minnesota's COVID-19 spike?

A woman stands at a podium with a man behind her.
Minnesota Department of Health Director of Infectious Disease Kris Ehresmann speaks to reporters following the announcement of the first case of COVID-19 in Minnesota in 2020.
Christine T. Ngyuen | MPR News 2020

Kris Ehresmann, infectious disease director for the Minnesota Department of Health, told MPR News host Cathy Wurzer Tuesday that COVID-19 cases are at elevated levels in part because people aren’t taking precautions.

Masking and social distancing are not happening as frequently, she says, but the easy spread of the delta variant is also leading to high case numbers.

On Monday, the Minnesota Department of Health reported more than 4,200 new infections. Overall case numbers were as high as they were back in December of last year.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

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