| Photo by Jim Mone | AP
April 29, 2020
We are 'not where we need to be' on testing | |
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Welcome to Wednesday and good morning. Here's the latest on COVID-19 in Minnesota, plus the forecast.
A nicer day as it goes on. Morning clouds in the Twin Cities will clear as highs get to the lower 60s with 15 to 20 mph winds. Statewide, decreasing clouds with highs from the mid-50s to mid-60s. More on Updraft. | Forecast
Minnesota has a ways to go to hit the goal of 5,000 daily tests by next week. Gov. Tim Walz has set that goal, but the past few days have only seen about 2,500 tests each. "We're not where we need to be on testing,” said Dan Huff, an assistant Health Department commissioner. “We know this is a ramp-up. This is not something you flip a light switch and it comes on."
"It is a moonshot. We don't get to the moon overnight." However, Huff said, the state is "doing everything we can to increase capacity as soon as possible." Logistical issues are still being blamed.
Here are the latest coronavirus statistics:4,181 cases confirmed via 63,829 tests301 deaths 912 cases requiring hospitalization314 people remain in the hospital; 120 in intensive care1,912 patients recoveredThe U.S. hit a major, awful milestone, too. We surpassed 1 million cases of COVID-19, far more than any other country. There have been over 57,000 deaths from the virus, which is now equal to higher-end estimates of the death toll from the entire flu season.
Meat processing plants have been the site of several COVID-19 outbreaks. But on Tuesday, President Trump said he'll invoke the Defense Production Act and declare them essential infrastructure. It wasn't immediately clear whether the order would force the JBS or Smithfield Foods plants in Worthington and Sioux Falls, respectively, to reopen. Both closed down after becoming COVID-19 hot spots in their region.
While details are scant, the idea seemed “problematic to say the least” ... given the spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota's Nobles County apparently coming from a meat processor, said Jan Malcolm, the state health commissioner.
Some Minnesota companies are back in business. An executive order allowed thousands of non-consumer-facing firms to reopen, if they have social distancing and hygiene protocols in place. However, the state is relying on employers to police themselves to an extent. There aren't enough resources for the state to conduct compliance checks, said Labor and Industry Commissioner Nancy Leppink. Instead, the state will investigate employee complaints.
Feeling generous toward your favorite local musicians? Chances are good they have a page on Bandcamp. And on Friday, the site is waiving fees so that all music and merchandise money spent goes straight to the artists, many of whom have lost money from cancelled shows and tours.
— Cody Nelson, MPR News | @codyleenelson |
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