Following an order by Gov. Tim Walz on Monday, every bar and restaurant in Minnesota was supposed to close their doors for 10 days in an effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus in the state. Walz told MPR News that it wasn't an easy decision, but he believes it is the right one.
How does the COVID-19 outbreak in Minnesota compare to its neighboring states in the Upper Midwest? Because of how COVID-19 is being tracked, this isn’t an easy question to answer.
With so many people coming and going, jails can be breeding grounds for germs. Officials are trying to figure out how to keep more people out of jail while keeping the community safe.
State health officials Tuesday said the move will allow them to focus on highest-priority patients: Health care workers, patients already being hospitalized and those who live in what the department calls “congregate living” situations, such as long-term care facilities or nursing homes.
After initially delaying regional conventions because of COVID-19, the state DFL Party has decided to use online balloting instead of in-person gatherings.
The restrictions are due in part to a record ice fishing season on the lake this winter. Poor ice conditions on other lakes meant increased traffic on Mille Lacs, resulting in what the DNR called the "highest fishing pressure there in 30 years." Anglers harvested almost 30,000 pounds, leaving only 57,000 pounds available.
State parks and trails will remain open for now, the Department of Natural Resources says, but park offices and visitor centers will close during the coronavirus outbreak.
The Minnesota Department of Health confirmed 60 cases Tuesday, up from 54 the day before. Meanwhile, starting at 5 p.m., bars and restaurants are set to close to dine-in customers.
As the world continues to grapple with the rapid spread of COVID-19, a group of Indigenous women gathered over the weekend — separately — to dance for healing. The dance they shared has its roots in another global pandemic, a century ago.