March 12, 2020
Breezing into the weekend. A cold front is sweeping across Minnesota Thursday, meaning we’ll only see highs hovering in the 30s in southern Minnesota and 20s up north Friday and Saturday. But to keep it in perspective this March is running 9.5 degrees warmer than average in the Twin Cities as of March 11. Minnesota now has nine COVID-19 cases confirmed. The new cases were confirmed in Hennepin, Dakota and Stearns counties, state health officials said Thursday. State health officials also said they are not recommending Minnesota schools close at this point but emphasized that the situation is fluid. While the coronavirus strategy remains in containment mode — isolating and quarantining cases — officials are bracing the public for longer-term life changes. Cancellations on the rise in sports and other events. Part of the life changes mentioned above includes the cancellation or postponement of many events, including pro and college sports and competition. Many nursing homes and hospitals have also begun limiting or discouraging visits. How has COVID-19 impacted your life? Share your story here. Governor’s updated budget proposal leaves most of projected surplus unspent. Gov. Tim Walz said he would shore up the state’s budget reserve fund with a nearly $500 million infusion and leave more than $1 billion unspent. He said he expects to field more requests for COVID-19 financial help in the days ahead, including from hospitals and other health facilities on the front lines. If you scroll through social media after work, you’re not doing your brain any favors. Researchers have found that simply having your phone nearby can tax cognition. "You're carrying your work literally everywhere," says author Celeste Headlee. "As far as your brain and body are concerned, you're never taking time off." In her new book, “Do Nothing,” Headlee encourages readers to be intentional about protecting their downtime.
— Sara Porter, MPR News | 