Bring Me The News reports that seventeen more people have died from the novel coronavirus in Minnesota, a single-day high since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the state on March 6, according to an update from the state health department Friday morning (4/17/20).

An additional 159 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed as well – the highest yet in a 24-hour reporting period – bringing the statewide total to 2,071.  Aitkin County recorded its first confirmed case on Friday.  Cass County has 4 cases, Crow Wing County has 17 cases, Mille Lacs County has 1 case, Otter Tail had 4 cases and Todd County has 2.

The death toll from the virus in Minnesota is now at 111.   No deaths in the above-mentioned counties have been linked to COVID-19.