Minnesota unveiled an online app Wednesday for viewing personal immunization records in response to rising demand — largely because of more COVID-19 vaccination requirements by employers and organizations in response to the latest pandemic wave.

State leaders said this is not a prelude toward a COVID-19 vaccine passport, a politically controversial subject, or government vaccination requirement.

The state has reported 7,956 COVID-19 deaths and 676,505 coronavirus infections, including 41 deaths and 2,736 infections reported Wednesday.

More than 3.5 million eligible Minnesotans have received at least a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine — or 73.8% of the eligible population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — but health officials said more immunizations are needed as the fast-spreading delta variant causes more infections.

Minnesota's positivity rate of COVID-19 diagnostic testing had leveled off at 6.6% for several days, but the reported rate on Wednesday increased to 7.1%.

The state reported 718 COVID-19 hospitalizations on Tuesday, and hospital leaders said the majority involve unvaccinated patients.

People with chronic illnesses such as diabetes and obesity are at elevated risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, and the state on Wednesday reported that this population has increased slightly.

"Obesity and other chronic health challenges have been a priority for many years, but the COVID-19 pandemic has made progress more difficult," she said.

Paul, was one of the first in the state to require proof from its indoor diners of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test.