The Minnesota Department of Health reports there are now 54 cases of COVID-19 in the state.
Previously, COVID-19 cases were found to be related to exposure from traveling, but now there are three cases of community spread.
These cases of community spread were in Hennepin, Ramsey and Dakota counties.
The MDH is currently discussing the mandated closure of restaurants and bars, similar to measures other states have taken.
At this time, childcare centers and in-home daycares have not been recommended to close their doors. Daycare providers are instead encouraged to practice social distancing with the children, allowing them to spread out at least six feet apart.
The MDH is now prioritizing testing for COVID-19 to hospitalized patients and healthcare workers. The priority, according to MDH officials, will have the best outcome for hospitals.
The Centers for Disease Control now recommends all gatherings of 50 people or more be cancelled or postponed for the next eight weeks, a change from the previous 250 participant maximum recommendation.
MDH Infectious Disease Director Kris Ehresmann stated today that the public should assume COVID-19 is spreading in their community, even if there aren’t any reported cases there.
The MDH encourages anyone who is sick to stay home for at least seven days, and be fever-free without the aid of Tylenol or other fever-reducing medications, for three days.
These same guidelines apply to those recovering from COVID-19.
Most cases reported have been mild. Only three people have been hospitalized in Minnesota for COVID-19, and of those, one is in critical condition.
More updates will be given during tomorrow’s press briefing.
