Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Health April 23, 2020 How Minnesota plans to become a worldwide leader in COVID-19 testing
Good morning. It's Thursday and there's a lot of news. Here's the forecast and what else you need to know.
A tame spring day. Twin Cities highs in the mid-60s with a chance of rain after midnight, when temps drop to around 40. Statewide, partly sunny with a chance or rain in the north and west. Highs from upper 50s to upper 60s except near Lake Superior, where it'll be in the 40s. More on Updraft. | Forecast
The latest COVID-19 news Twenty thousand tests, every day. Gov. Tim Walz says that's feasible under a new plan led by the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic. It's a massive increase from the current amount, about 1,200 tests daily.
This massive increase in testing will be critical to reopening Minnesota. Better understanding of how widespread the coronavirus is and increased tracing of cases will help state officials make plans for restarting parts of the economy.
“Every symptomatic Minnesotan must be tested as soon as possible.” That was Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm's message, adding that an increase in testing means there will be major increases in case counts.
New guidance for businesses is coming soon. Walz said Wednesday that more information, including on reopening businesses, is expected "in the next day or so."
