Situation in Minnesota

The number of lab-confirmed positive tests among Minnesota residents will be updated daily on Situation Update for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) with test results from the previous day.

The total number of cases is likely an underestimate, as we know the the virus is circulating in communities. It is important for everyone to follow advice on community mitigation and social distancing to help us flatten the case curve.

Minnesota News and Outreach

• Today, Governor Tim Walz announced that no later than 5 p.m. on March 23, 2020, all non-essential or elective surgeries and procedures, including non-emergent or elective dental care, that utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) or ventilators must be postponed indefinitely: Directing Delay of Inpatient and Outpatient Elective Surgery and Procedural Cases during COVID-19 Peacetime Emergency (PDF).

• Due to a national shortage of testing materials, MDH issued a news release and health advisory on March 17 to describe the changes to laboratory testing criteria: MDH issues updated guidance on COVID-19 testing criteria.

MDH Materials

MDH has created videos, print materials, and translated documents to assist with preparing for and responding to COVID-19. To view, download, or print, visit Materials and Resources on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The situation is changing rapidly. Visit Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for the most up-to-date information and follow MDH on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram to stay informed.

What's New

COVID-19 Symptoms and Testing

Visit About Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for recently updated information about symptoms and testing:

• What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

• How long should a person stay home if sick?

• If I have symptoms, when should I see a doctor?

• What is the COVID-19 testing situation in Minnesota?

• Where can people be tested?

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Slowing the Spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota

Key goals for all of us are to find ways to slow the spread of the virus and to reduce demands on our health care sector so the most seriously ill people get the supportive care they need. The community mitigation strategies below may create inconveniences of their own, but now is the time for Minnesota individuals, families, organizations, and communities to do their part to slow the spread of this outbreak.

CDC recommends postponing and canceling until further notice:

• Events where 50 or more people would gather (concerts, conferences, sporting events, school performances, weddings, etc.)

• Smaller events (fewer than 50 people) held in venues that do not allow social distancing of 6 feet per person

• Events with more than 10 people where the majority of participants are at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 (retirement facilities, assisted living facilities, support groups for people with health conditions, etc.)

By order of the governor, beginning March 17 at 5 p.m., and continuing until March 27 at 5 p.m., restaurants, bars, and many other places of public accommodation are closed to the public. Visit Strategies to Slow the Spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota for more information on restrictions and exclusions.

Schools

In order to allow school administrators and teachers to work on long-term plans for continuity of education and essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Tim Walz authorized the temporary closure of Minnesota K-12 public schools to students. Schools will be closed to students beginning Wednesday, March 18, and continuing until Friday, March 27. This closure is to accommodate planning.

Workplaces

We are urging employees to stay home when sick. It is important that employees assess themselves for symptoms regularly and go home right away if ill. This protects not only other employees but also the larger workforce of that organization. Employers should not require a COVID-19 test from employees to allow them to use sick leave. Employers should encourage staff to telework (when feasible) and implement social distancing measures.

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Reliable Sources for COVID-19 Information

We know information is changing quickly and there is a lot of incorrect information going around about COVID-19. Don’t believe everything you read or hear, even if someone says it’s from a reliable source. Check it out for yourself. Here are the best places to find accurate information:

• Minnesota Department of Health (MDH): Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

• World Health Organization (WHO): Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Outbreak

COVID-19 Public Hotline

Questions about COVID-19?

Health questions:

651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Schools and child care questions:

651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.