Photo by Dave Schwarz | St. Cloud Times May 17, 2020 COVID-19 death toll climbs to 700 in state
Good morning and welcome to a soggy Sunday. Here's the latest coronavirus briefing to get you caught up quickly.
Rainy and windy. Expect another 1-2 inches of rain today in the Twin Cities. Tapering off this evening, with a high of 58 and winds out of the northeast 18-30 mph with higher gusts. Much the same story across the state, with some 3-inch amounts to the south. More on Updraft | Forecast
The state reported a new high in completed coronavirus tests. Minnesota's COVID-19 death toll hit 700 on Saturday, as the state also reported a new high in completed tests at 8,600 — nearly 2,000 more than the previous daily record in the state and well above the 5,000-test benchmark state officials have said is vital for safely reopening the economy.
Restaurants continue to fall victim to pandemic. While retail stores prepare to reopen Monday, a growing list of restaurants in the state say they won't reopen, even after COVID-19 business restrictions are lifted in the future. The historic underground venue Wabasha Street Caves, in St. Paul, also said it will close in November, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Here are the latest coronavirus statistics as of Saturday:
14,969 confirmed cases via 143,281 tests
700 deaths
Of the 17 new deaths, 14 lived in long-term care facilities and all but one were over the age of 70
2,039 cases requiring hospitalization
493 people remain hospitalized; 225 in intensive care
9,503 patients recovered
'They aren't even pretending to be in charge.' In unexpected political remarks during an online graduation speech Saturday, former President Barack Obama criticized U.S. leaders overseeing the nation's response to the coronavirus.
Reminder: A new set of rules take effect Monday in Minnesota. Catch up on the governor's "Stay Safe Minnesota" order in our FAQ. Read about the order in Hmong, Somali and Spanish, via Sahan Journal, or pass it along to someone who might benefit from a translated version.
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