The Minnesota Department of Health says that hospitalization data indicates an uptick in covid cases in the state. The variants currently circulating are KP.2 and KP.3, which aren’t particularly new having been around for a couple of months.

Dr. Keely Morris, a Senior Epidemiologist with the Minnesota Department of Health describes the variants as on the rise and adds, “These variants are similar to other variants that we’ve dealt with. They are a little better at evading existing immunity, either from being vaccinated of existing Covid-19 infections.”

MDH is unable to track covid case numbers as many people have been testing at home or have stopped testing altogether when they get sick. However, they are able to track Covid activity through hospitalizations, “Statewide we are seeing increases in hospitalizations. Overall, this is a little lower than when we see hospitalizations, let’s say, during the winter time.”

“I will say that Northeast, Minnesota does have lower hospitalization number than other parts of the state… Covid-19 doesn’t really respect geographic boundaries. So, we expect that everywhere in Minnesota is expected to see an increase in hospitalizations in the coming week because of these variants.”

It’s recommended that high-risk groups, like those 65+, those who are immunocompromised/have chronic conditions, pregnant people, or residents of long-term care facilities, stay up to date on booster recommendations. At-risk groups may have to get boosters more often than the standard once per year for everyone else.

Only 14% of Minnesotans are up to date on their Covid boosters. In the Northland, the number is lower at about 11%.

Wearing a mask and washing your hands is a good idea if you’re in a situation where you’re exposed to Covid-19. Immunocompromised people should seek antiviral treatment if infected.