As testing accelerates, total cases leap by nearly 600

A perfect recipe for spring this weekend? It looks like spring is staying with us for a while in Minnesota. This weekend’s forecast checks all the boxes for perfect weather: Balmy temps, dry, pleasant air, and some sunshine! Highs on both Saturday and Sunday will be in the mid-60s to lower 70s, with sunny skies across Minnesota.

COVID-19 in Minnesota today: 28 more deaths; testing ramp-up leads to a big jump in total cases. Health officials report that 371 Minnesotans have now died from the disease and 369 remain hospitalized with 118 in intensive care. Total cases since the pandemic began leaped again by nearly 600, to 5,730, as testing accelerated.

Coronavirus may have arrived in Minnesota weeks before the first confirmed case. A story of a college student, who came back home from Japan after getting ill in January, shows the virus may have been in the state longer than tests initially detected. She and her dad, who developed COVID-19-like symptoms, weren’t able to get tested, but her mom’s test came back positive weeks after her daughter’s return. Read the Austin family’s story here.

Many Minnesota farmers markets are opening for the season - but they may look quite different this year. Under the governor’s stay-home order, farmers markets are deemed essential and across the state, outdoor farmers markets are preparing to open up for the season. With their outdoor space and flexible layouts, farmers markets may be able to adapt more easily to the needs of shoppers during a pandemic.

During this difficult time, this St. Paul advocate group continues to help domestic abuse survivors. As an essential service, Women’s Advocates haven’t stopped their work despite the pandemic. The shelter remains open, with COVID-19 safety protocols. And advocates have transitioned to providing services via an online chat and safety questionnaire to help people make a plan.

— Jiwon Choi, MPR News