 | John Minchillo | AP Photo file
July 18, 2020
No action 'off the table' as coronavirus surge continues | |
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Good morning and happy Saturday. Here's a quick news update as you start the weekend.
If you're in the southern part of Minnesota, beware of excessive heat. Overnight storms knocked out power to thousands. Storms may continue this afternoon in the Twin Cities, along with highs in the lower 90s and heat indices around 103. Storms and rain will continue into the night but lows will drop to the upper 60s. Statewide, partly sunny with highs in the mid-80s to lower 90s. More on Updraft | Forecast
As cases accelerate, Minnesota leaders are considering all options, including more restrictions. The state is working to avoid "wholesale closure" of places like bars and restaurants, Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said. “But in all candor, I don't think anything can be considered completely off the table with what we're seeing around the country and in our own numbers in Minnesota,” she added. “But we clearly would like to explore intermediate measures before that.”
Here are the latest coronavirus statistics:
- 45,013 cases confirmed (669 new) 819,511 via tests
- 1,533 deaths (7 new)
- 4,563 cases requiring hospitalization
- 252 people remain hospitalized; 110 in intensive care
- 38,568 patients no longer requiring isolation
Gov. Tim Walz wants a mask mandate, but the public health issue's politicization is getting in the way. The governor has weighed a statewide mask requirement as more states begin requiring them in public spaces. However, despite his desire for an order and the science backing it, Walz said he's waiting to get more Republican support before enacting it unilaterally.
If everyone in the U.S. would wear a mask, health leaders say the coronavirus could be controlled within a month or two. Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control, said now is time for a mask requirement. “I think if we could get everybody to wear a mask right now I think in four, six, eight weeks we could bring this epidemic under control," he said.
As COVID-19 surges, many expecting moms are asking: What's best for me and my baby?There's evidence suggesting that the virus can pass through the placenta and that people who are pregnant are at a greater risk of a severe case. However, medical experts are urging calm.
— Cody Nelson, MPR News | @codyleenelson |
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