COVID-19: Coverage of the pandemic from MPR News

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March 18, 2020 9:00 AM

It's been one month since Minnesota's first COVID-19 case

We’re only a few weeks into the COVID-19 outbreak, but already nearly everything about our daily lives has changed, from the way we work, shop and socialize to even the way our governor communicates with us.

by Mark Zdechlik

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March 18, 2020 8:45 AM

Trump's economic rescue package could approach $1 trillion

In a massive federal effort, President Trump asked Congress to speed emergency checks to Americans, enlisted the military for MASH-like hospitals and implored ordinary people — particularly socially active millennials — to do their part by staying home to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

by The Associated Press

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March 18, 2020 6:00 AM

COVID-19 in Minnesota: 77 cases statewide; 1,700 samples await testing amid shortage

There are 77 cases confirmed via testing, but the state Health Department is seeing test supply shortages at “several levels,” so the virus is likely more widespread. Gov. Walz said he’s pleading with federal authorities for more help, adding that there are 1,700 samples frozen, awaiting testing, due to inadequate supplies.

by MPR News Staff

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March 18, 2020 5:09 AM

Pence warns coronavirus outbreak could last 'well into July'

In an interview with NPR, the vice president defended the administration's response to the coronavirus but acknowledged the government expects to be dealing with the crisis "for months."

by Jason Breslow

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March 18, 2020 4:51 AM

New analysis suggests months of social distancing may be needed to stop virus

Modelers of epidemics at Imperial College of London now say months of strict social distancing may be needed to prevent overwhelming the U.S. health care system with COVID-19 cases.

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

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March 18, 2020 4:00 AM

Many MN child care centers remain open, putting parents and workers in tough spot

Whether to keep day cares open or order them to close is a lose-lose situation: Close child care centers and you leave families who can’t telecommute unable to find care for their young ones. Stay open and risk spreading the disease further.

by Riham Feshir

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March 17, 2020 9:00 PM

Son visits dad in assisted living, sits outside window after COVID-19 outbreak

As many nursing homes and assisted living facilities across Minnesota close their doors to visitors amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Charlie Johnson, whose father is an assisted living resident, figured out how to continue seeing his 88-year-old father. He now sits outside the window of his father’s room, saying hello to him over the phone every day.

by Nina Moini

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March 17, 2020 7:28 PM

Walz highlights need for business closures, more testing capacity to fight COVID-19

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.

by Peter Cox

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March 17, 2020 5:33 PM

Update: Comparing COVID-19 in Minnesota and its neighbors in the Upper Midwest

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.

by David H. Montgomery

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March 17, 2020 4:45 PM

To slow the spread of COVID-19, county attorneys consider releasing some jail detainees

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.

by Alisa Roth

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