![]() The number of cases is likely at least 10 times as high as the number of testing-confirmed cases, however, and an increasing number of people will likely require hospitalization in the coming days and weeks, according to health officials. ![]() While the state's labs have performed about 6,400 tests, external labs have completed about 5,000 tests for Minnesotans as of Wednesday. ![]() Twenty-six people were in the hospital with the coronavirus, with 12 in intensive care. The plans for extended curbs on daily life come as the state Health Department on Wednesday confirmed 287 cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota. Most allow for residents to go to grocery stores and pharmacies, take walks and walk pets. Other states have instituted so-called shelter-in-place rules, although many of those orders are similar to what Minnesota is already doing. Walz has already issued orders to keep Minnesotans from congregating in ways that might aid the disease's spread, including shifting bars and restaurants to takeout-only service. Grove said he expected about 28 percent of working Minnesotans to be temporarily jobless during the extended stay-home period 59 percent of them will have some kind of access to paid leave. Liquor stores are among businesses that will remain open. A list of those jobs is available at a state website. Nearly 80 percent of Minnesota jobs are considered essential under the order, said Steve Grove, the Department of Employment and Economic Development commissioner. The state Education Department will be canceling the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments, or MCAs, for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. Walz on Wednesday authorized Education Commissioner Mary Cathryn Ricker to implement a plan for distance learning for five weeks from March 30 until May 4. On-site school closures last into early May under the order. “It is not our desire to write people tickets,” Walz said, adding that law enforcement has been cooperative and will be receiving further guidance. Plan for how to protect and care for vulnerable populations in coming monthsĪssess new data to inform mitigation strategyĮnforcement of the order will focus on education about why it’s important to follow and how to do so, Walz said, rather than punitive measures. Increase access to ventilators and other life-saving equipmentĪddress personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages for health workers The goals of the order, Walz said, include: The remaining 80 percent of infections are expected to be mild. Minnesota had 235 ICU beds available as of Tuesday, Walz said, adding that about 15 percent of COVID-19 cases will require hospitalization and 5 percent will need intensive care. "The thing that Minnesota is going to do is ensure if you need an ICU, it's there,” Walz told the state in a livestreamed address Wednesday. Walz said it’s impossible to lessen the number of Minnesotans who will become infected with COVID-19, but the stay-home order is intended to push out the time of peak infections so there are intensive care unit beds available for those who need it. The order takes effect Saturday and lasts through April 10. “Buckle it up for a few more weeks,” the governor said. ![]() People will be allowed to exercise outdoors and visit the grocery store, for example, with proper social distancing. The order isn’t a complete lockdown and it allows essential activities and services to continue, Walz said. Tim Walz has ordered Minnesotans to stay at home for two weeks, at least, as part of the state's ongoing efforts to control the spread of the coronavirus and COVID-19 disease.
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