Good morning and welcome to Tuesday. Patchy fog to start the day, then rain and thunderstorms. It's gonna be a dreary and soggy day with Twin Cities highs in the upper 70s. Statewide, highs from the upper 60s to upper 70s. More on Updraft | Forecast Despite Minnesota's exemption allowing religious services starting tomorrow, health officials are urging caution. Gov. Tim Walz on Saturday announced that houses of worship may reopen at 25 percent capacity with a max crowd size of 250. "I think it's going to be very difficult over the next couple weeks. It is my belief we are going to see some pretty rough weeks when we head to that peak no matter what we do," Walz said. "Large gatherings continue to present a clear, documented risk for increasing the spread of COVID-19." That's from State Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm over the weekend. "We continue to see pretty rapid increases in our numbers of cases and deaths. ... 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."
The governor says faith communities should continue online services if possible. He added that the "250 number terrifies me." Walz's move to reopen places of worship followed President Trump's declaring them as essential institutions.
If the new rules seem to contradict other restrictions, Walz agrees. “I say to the Minnesotans who find the contradictions maddening, so do I," the governor said. The other major reopening decision was relatively minor compared to what religious institutions may do: Restaurants and bars are only able to open for outdoor service come June 1, with a max of 50 customers total.
And as things begin reopening more, the virus will not relent. Coronavirus hospitalizations in Minnesota hit a new high yesterday as the death toll and case count continued their steady climb.
Here are the latest coronavirus statistics : 21,315 confirmed cases via 204,059 tests 881 deaths 2,676 cases requiring hospitalization 605 people remain hospitalized; 248 in intensive care -
14,816 patients no longer needing isolation
Minneapolis residents must wear masks in all indoor public spaces. Mayor Jacob Frey said businesses may refuse entry to those not wearing a face covering and people can call 311 to report noncompliance. Violations can result in fines up to $1,000. "We are not criminalizing forgetfulness. We are not penalizing people for a lack of awareness. We are approaching the implementation of the policy with grace and patience ,” Frey said. “We are prioritizing outreach and education."
The World Health Organization is pausing clinical trials using hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19. The international health authority made its decision after research showed the drug may do more harm than good — patients on hydroxychloroquine had been dying at higher rates than other COVID-19 patients.
— Cody Nelson, MPR News | @codyleenelson | 
