 Minnesota is one of 45 states reporting an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. State Department of Health epidemiologist Stephanie Meyer says the latest Omicron variant allows the virus to evade pre-existing immunity, whether you had a COVID infection previously or you've been vaccinated. She also says a contributing factor to the increase might be wet and humid weather driving more of us to indoor activities with less circulation, poor ventilation, more crowding.