Thousands of Minnesotans have delayed surgeries and procedures because of COVID-19’s toll on the hospital system. But health officials are reminding Minnesotans they shouldn’t feel afraid to seek medical care.
The pandemic poses different challenges than the devastating tornado that inspired the formation of the Northside Community Response Team in 2011. African American community leaders say the crisis has forced them to figure out new ways of keeping their community connected, safe and healthy.
A petition urging state officials to allow businesses in the popular Brainerd Lakes Area to reopen as soon as possible has gotten thousands of signatures — but also some detractors.
Kristin Schwarze and her daughter Clare have spent most of their time indoors or in their Shoreview yard since the coronavirus pandemic hit Minnesota. But their family isolation was interrupted over the weekend when they found a baby cottontail rabbit.
"The ship is on the launch pad today,” Gov. Tim Walz said of a massive statewide COVID-19 testing plan with Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota. He spoke hours after Minnesota reported its largest single-day jump in COVID-19 deaths.
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities had hoped to keep the coronavirus mostly outside of their doors. But despite their efforts, COVID-19 cases have spread to more than 90 congregate care facilities. More than 70 percent of Minnesota's fatalities are traced to long-term care homes.
Ramadan, the holy month of prayer, fasting and celebration for Muslims worldwide, begins on Thursday. But as mosques are closed and large gatherings are discouraged under the stay-at-home order, Muslims in Minnesota are having to change their religious customs while trying to maintain close community ties.
Consumers may see some spot shortages of their favorite cuts after some big meat processors shut down because of COVID-19 outbreaks. But experts say if people don’t panic and hoard, overall supplies shouldn’t run out.
Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout, University of Minnesota regents voted unanimously to not raise tuition for the 2020-21 academic year.