Minnesota COVID-19 briefing: Updated numbers and hand sanitizer dangers

Minnesota Department of Health officials addressed an array of topics during Friday’s COVID-19 briefing, including an update on state and national coronavirus numbers and hand sanitizer dangers.

Numbers update:

MDH Director of Infectious Diseases Kris Ehresmann gave an update on COVID-19 numbers around the world as well in Minnesota.

Worldwide, cases passed 20.9 million with deaths just over 760,000. In the United States, cases have surpassed 5.2 million and deaths stand just over 167,000, as of Friday.

MDH: 8 new COVID-19 deaths, 738 new cases

In Minnesota, there were 738 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the state’s total to 63,723 since the pandemic began. Eight additional deaths were also reported, which brings the total in Minnesota to 1,693 deaths from COVID-19.

The median age of cases in Minnesota is 36 years old, which has remained consistent for the last few days.

The case fatality rate in Minnesota among confirmed COVID-19 cases is 2.8%.

KSTP’s Complete COVID-19 Coverage

Hand sanitizer dangers:

MDH State Epidemiologist and Medical Director Dr. Ruth Lynfield touched on concerns regarding hand sanitizers containing dangerous ingredients.

Lynfield said that the FDA sent out another warning regarding hand sanitizers, this warning specific to the ingredients Methanol and 1-propanol. Both of these ingredients can be toxic and deadly if ingested.

The Minnesota Poison Control Center has received 50 calls regarding hand sanitizer. Eight individuals sought medical attention and were released. Thus far, no one has died from ingesting hand sanitizer in Minnesota during the pandemic, according to Lynfield.

Lay low before you go (back to college):

MDH Infectious Disease Director Kris Ehresmann asks students to quarantine for 14 days before coming back to college in Minnesota. She said that it is a factor that will ensure the safety of the students quarantining and their classmates.