Number of positive COVID-19 cases in Minnesota jumps from 287 to 346; state also reports a second death caused by the virus

The Minnesota Department of Health reported Thursday that the number of positive cases of COVID-19, or coronavirus in the state has jumped to 346, compared to 287 on Wednesday.  

Health officials reported that there are currently 41 total COVID-19 cases requiring hospitalization in Minnesota, with 31 hospitalized as of Thursday.  Officials went on to state that Minnesota has recorded its second death due to the virus, which involved a Ramsey County resident in their 80’s.   

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ordered a shelter in place order to begin throughout the state starting at 11:59 p.m. Friday evening and lasting two weeks. 

He stated that the restrictions are critical to buy time to build up the state’s capacity to handle a flood of infections.

People will still be allowed to go to grocery stores and their doctors and to purchase gasoline, but the governor extended his order closing bars and restaurants to dine-in service until May 1. Schools will implement distance learning beginning Monday until at least May 4th.

The total approximate number of completed tests in Minnesota currently totals 12,950.  Mower County has seen its total number of cases jump from six to 10, while Olmsted County has also seen its number of total cases increase from 21 to 29.  Blue Earth County is reporting six cases of COVID-19, Dodge and Steele Counties both currently have five cases, while Winona and Wabasha Counties are each reporting four.  Fillmore County is reporting three cases, while Waseca County is reporting two.