MN COVID-19 Deaths Before Thanksgiving: Comparing 2021 To 2020

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota's recent surge in both coronavirus-related spread and hospitalizations shows little sign of slowing down. The delta variant of the virus continues to rip through schools, businesses and communities as people try to regain some sense of normalcy.

As families gear up for the holidays, it may seem as if nothing has improved since 2020. The good news is that isn't the case.

In fact, though the virus continues to spread, death and hospitalization rates in Minnesota are down considerably from last year.

Comparing 2020 and 2021

The state of Minnesota enforced strict lockdown measures and mask mandates in November 2020. All of those measures have since been lifted, though a smattering of mask mandates are still enforced by private businesses and local governments.

However, one advantage that residents have ahead of this Thanksgiving is the vaccine.

The vaccine was not yet available at this time last year. But as of Nov. 15, 2021, over 63 percent of the state's total population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. About 60 percent of the state population has completed their vaccine series.

Looking at the data, it's clear the vaccine has made a big difference, even with the state's current rate of breakthrough cases.

Also read: Graph Compares MN COVID-19 Death Rates Based On Vaccine Status

Here's a chart showing the death rates between people who are fully vaccinated versus those who are not fully vaccinated:

Death rate

A considerably smaller number of Minnesotans are dying on a daily basis in 2021 compared to 2020.

Last year: From Nov. 1 through Nov. 15, 2020, a total of 562 Minnesotans died from COVID-19.

This year: From Nov. 1 through Nov. 15, 2021, a total of 153 Minnesotans died from COVID-19.

Hospitalization rate

Note: Nov. 1 - 11 time frame was compared because hospitalization data lags several days.

Last year: From Nov. 1 through Nov. 11, 2020, a total of 2,232 Minnesotans were hospitalized due to COVID-19.

This year: From Nov. 1 through Nov. 15, 2021, a total of 1,306 Minnesotans were hospitalized due to COVID-19.

Case rate

Note: Nov. 1 - 11 time frame was compared because case data lags several days.

Last year: From Nov. 1 through Nov. 11, 2020, a total of 92,732 Minnesotans tested positive for the coronavirus.

This year: From Nov. 1 through Nov. 15, 2021, a total of 37,632 Minnesotans tested positive for the coronavirus.

Staying safe during the holidays

Here's what Minnesotans need to know to celebrate safely through the end of the year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says getting vaccinated remains the best way to stay safe and protect others — including those who cannot get the vaccine yet, such as young children.

According to research from the CDC, an unvaccinated person has more than six times the risk of testing positive for the coronavirus and more than 11 times the risk of dying from COVID-19 compared to a fully vaccinated person. And while fully vaccinated people can get infected with COVID-19, they are less likely to get seriously ill or die, although they can be contagious, the CDC says.

Also read: New Website Lets Minnesota Parents Schedule Vaccine For Kids 5-11

Anyone who's not fully vaccinated should wear a well-fitted mask indoors in public, the agency writes, and if your community has a substantial to high transmission of the virus, even those who are fully vaccinated should wear masks indoors in public. Children under 2 should never wear a mask, the CDC warns.

Americans should avoid crowded and poorly ventilated spaces, and it's safer to be outdoors, the agency says.

For anyone who may be sick or has symptoms, the message is to stay home and away from others. They should also get tested for the virus, as should anyone who may have been in close contact with a person has COVID-19, the agency says.

The CDC has also issued some additional guidelines, including for anyone with a weakened immune system, who the agency warns may not be fully protected even if they have been fully vaccinated and have gotten an additional vaccine dose. The CDC advises that they should continue taking precautions currently recommended for anyone who is unvaccinated until their health care provider says otherwise.

And regardless of transmission levels, if someone in your household is at increased risk, has a weakened immune system or hasn't been vaccinated, the CDC says people may choose to wear a mask in these situations.

Those joining gatherings with multiple households should take additional measures such as getting tested and avoiding crowded indoor places before traveling, the agency says.

Anyone traveling for the holidays should consult the CDC's travel page.