March 30 update on COVID-19 in Minnesota: 1st workweek of stay-home order begins

More than half of Minnesota's counties, urban and rural alike, now have confirmed cases of COVID-19 as the state moves into its first workweek of stay-at-home orders.

Here are the latest coronavirus statistics from Sunday afternoon:

• Nine deaths from COVID-19

• 503 cases confirmed via 17,657 tests

• 45 counties have confirmed cases

• 16 people being treated in intensive care units (ICUs)

• More than 30 confirmed cases in "congregate care" facilities, such as assisted-living facilities

• 252 people who had COVID-19 have recovered and no longer require isolation

Find more updates here.

Health officials for weeks have been increasingly raising the alarm over the spread of the novel coronavirus in the United States. The disease is transmitted through respiratory droplets, coughs and sneezes, similar to the way the flu can spread.

Government and medical leaders are urging people to wash their hands frequently and well, refrain from touching their faces, cover their coughs, disinfect surfaces and avoid large crowds, all in an effort to curb the virus’ rapid spread.

The state of Minnesota has temporarily closed schools, while administrators work to determine next steps, and is requiring a temporary closure of all in-person dining at restaurants, bars and coffee shops, as well as theaters, gyms, yoga studios and other spaces in which people congregate in close proximity.