MPR News PM Update
March 26, 2020

Stay-at-home order starts with rain Friday night. It may be better to stay home for two reasons, given the not-so-nice weather forecast this weekend. There’s a chance of rain in southern Minnesota Friday evening, which will likely continue through Saturday night. Highs tomorrow will range from the 40s in northwest Minnesota, to mid-50s southeast.


COVID-19 in Minnesota today: Second death reported; 346 cases confirmed. Health officials say the second death involved a Ramsey County resident in their 80s. It’s also the county’s second death reported. The jump in cases from Wednesday to Thursday, 59 new cases, was among the largest single-day increases the state’s seen since the pandemic arrived. 

$330M COVID-19 rescue bill on fast track to Walz's desk. Combined with the first COVID-19-related bill, the two packages shell out more than $500 million, with top legislators saying there will be more actions to come. The House passed the second bill today on a 99-4 vote and the Senate passed it unanimously. 

Read ID deadline is now Oct. 2021. If you don't already have a Real ID-compliant drivers license or ID, you have an additional year to get one before you probably need it to board a domestic flight. The Department of Homeland Security has pushed back the enforcement deadline from Oct. 1, 2020 to Oct. 1, 2021 in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

Here’s your daily dose of sweetness: Listen to these two Mayo doctors playing “Imagine.” Mayo Clinic Drs. Elvis L. Francois and William Robinson shared this video earlier this week, with their rendition of John Lennon's "Imagine." Francois wrote in his post: "In life, there are so many things that divide us. Religion, race, politics, social status and many more....But today a global pandemic brings us all together as one.

Your “stay at home” order questions, answered. We’ve added a few updates to our FAQ on the governor’s latest order, with more updates on the way. What are you curious about that isn’t already in the guide? Share your question with us here!


— Jiwon Choi and Sara Porter, MPR News


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Latest on COVID-19 in MN: More deaths expected; too soon to say on State Fair
“We know we’ll be reporting more deaths in the days to come,” health chief Jan Malcolm said as she and Gov. Walz delivered the latest update, including news of a second state death. Will the pandemic affect the State Fair? Walz said it was too early to know.
Tracking the spread: Minnesota and the Upper Midwest
ICU bed capacity varies widely nationwide:  See how your county stacks up
Specialty center: Bethesda Hospital readied in days to accept COVID-19 patients
 
MN homeless shelters struggle to provide safety, distance to prevent COVID-19
Advocates for the homeless in Minnesota are pleading for more state resources to help protect the vulnerable population in crowded shelters and emergency centers.
Gov. Walz's "stay-at-home" order: What about those who don't have homes?
 
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Trump administration says data will drive 'next phase' of coronavirus guidelines
The White House briefing took place on the same day that official statistics indicated the U.S. has recorded more coronavirus cases than China. President Trump said his administration is working on publishing guidelines for state and local governments to use to determine whether to increase or relax social distancing rules.
$2T COVID-19 relief package: $1,200 checks, 13 weeks of unemployment payments
As layoffs jump:  U.S. jobless claims soar to record 3.3 million
 
With COVID-19, desire for fast internet connections accelerates
Many people are working at home now in an effort to halt the spread of the novel coronavirus. Speed, capacity and reliability of internet connections determine how well remote-working goes. Some telecommuters zip along in the fast lane, others not so much.
 
Bethesda Hospital readied in days to accept COVID-19 patients
In a flurry of construction, most of it over 72 hours, Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul has become a specialty center for the most severe COVID-19 cases. The first patients are expected to arrive from other M Health Fairview facilities beginning Thursday afternoon.
 
Minnesota schools are closed until early May: Here are 9 things you need to know
Starting Monday, teachers will activate their “distance learning” plans — teaching their K-12 students who are at home, regardless if those children have access to the internet or a computer. The state is ordering Minnesota schools to remain closed through May 4 as it grapples with the COVID-19 outbreak.
Tell MPR NewsHow has COVID-19 pandemic affected you and your family?
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