Good morning and happy Memorial Day. Here’s a quick forecast and what you need to know about gathering safely today. A sort of summery Memorial Day. Showers early with some clearing for the afternoon across the state. High 82. Winds light and variable. Marginal risk of severe weather for part of southeastern Minnesota. More on Updraft | Forecast
We know you are ready to get outside and see your family and friends. So are we. Here are how experts rate the risks of 14 summer activities. And, now that the stay-at-home order has loosened to the so-called stay safe order, here are more things to consider in your social interactions.
Even celebrating outdoors, social distancing is critical. That means in the park, in your yard and on the trail.
If you can’t maintain six feet of distance, you should leave. “If you are on a trail that does not allow for social distancing of six feet, then you need to go someplace else,” the DNR’s Kim Pleticha said. “I just don't know how to be any more clear about that.” Same goes for parking lots: If there are a lot of cars at a park, she said turn around and try somewhere else.
Remember the basics. Wear a mask, wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, don’t touch your face and keep your distance. Also don’t forget to consider your own biases: People tend to overestimate the risk of strangers getting them sick, while underestimating the chance of strangers getting them sick.
Two high-risk activities to avoid: Large groups of people in close proximity in an enclosed space and riding in cars with people who aren’t in your household. There are many high-touch surfaces and the air is recirculated in both cases, giving the virus a chance to spread easily.
For everything else outdoors, the DNR has guidance. This webpage is updated with the latest recreation guidelines, including what facilities are open and closed.
Confirmed COVID-19 cases surpassed 20,000 Sunday, according to the state department of health. "We continue to see pretty rapid increases in our numbers of cases and deaths," State Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said Saturday at a press briefing. "So even though we are slowly and carefully trying to open up opportunities for Minnesotans to resume activities that are so important ... this does not mean we're on the other side of this."
Here are the latest coronavirus statistics as of Sunday:20,573 confirmed cases via 197,964 tests 869 deaths 2,432 cases requiring hospitalization 553 people remain hospitalized; 207 in intensive care 14,115 patients no longer needing isolation Free COVID-19 testing continues today across Minnesota. Malcolm said she was pleased to see crowds this weekend at six sites for testing: “I know that people are waiting in lines and there's an awful lot of demand there — and we're learning a lot from today's events that will help us to be even better at getting testing out into the community." Testing continues today at National Guard armories in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, Moorhead, St. James and Faribault. Here's the details.
Stay safe and healthy.
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— Chris Graves, MPR News | @chrisgraves | 