Number of COVID-19 cases in Minnesota rises to 287, hospitalizations spike to 26

(FOX 9) - The number of patients in Minnesota who are hospitalized for the coronavirus spiked to 26 Wednesday, nearly doubling the 15 who were hospitalized on Tuesday as the number of cases grows statewide.

There are now 287 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota, although state health officials say that number is an undercount due to a lack of testing. There has only been one coronavirus-related death in the state so far.

Minnesota Gov. Walz holds off on issuing order to stay at home

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is still deciding whether to issue a shelter-in-place order for the state to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

There are now 33 counties with confirmed cases of the coronavirus. Hennepin County has the most number of cases with 111, followed by Ramsey with 27. Dakota and Olmsted counties have 21 cases each.

This does not mean, however, that counties that do not have confirmed cases of COVID-19 are safe. Many of Minnesota's cases are the result of community transmission. Community transmission cases occur when the individual who tested positive did not travel or have any known contact with someone with COVID-19.

"We should assume it [the coronavirus] is in all of our communities," Malcolm said.

Gov. Tim Walz said that based on his work with health department, he predicts that 40 to 80 percent of Minnesotans will get the coronavirus.

CORONAVIRUSNOW.COM: FOX launches national hub for COVID-19 news and updates

The World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a pandemic. MDH confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in Minnesota on March 6.

MDH says Minnesota’s 89 cases are ‘just the tip of the iceberg’ in total count

While 89 people have tested positive for the coronavirus, officials say that number is likely much higher due to testing limitations.

MDH has restricted the criteria to test for COVID-19 due to a limited supply of testing materials. They are giving priority to hospitalized patients as well as ill health care workers and ill persons living in congregate living settings such as long-term care. The new restrictions on testing will remain in place indefinitely until more tests are provided to Minnesota.

As the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state climbs, state officials have begun enacting drastic measures to reduce the number of places the coronavirus can be spread.

Gov. Tim Walz orders bars, restaurants, other establishments to close to in-person customers

Gov. Tim Walz issued an executive order Monday that will close restaurants, bars and other establishments to in-person customers starting Tuesday night.

Since March 6, Gov. Walz has declared a peacetime state of emergency, canceled or postponed all gatherings of 250 or more people, closed all schools, closed public gathering spaces such as theaters, gyms and bars and limited restaurants to carry-out and delivery orders. Walz is expanding unemployment benefits to employees impacted by the pandemic.

The governor also ordered hospitals to stop all elective surgeries and procedures, anything that can be delayed without risking a patient’s health. The order takes effect on Monday, March 23 and could last weeks.

Minnesota governor declares COVID-19 state of emergency

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order Friday declaring a peacetime state of emergency as the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state rose to 14. 

COVID-19 HOTLINES

MDH has two hotlines for questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The hotline for community mitigation (schools, childcare, business) questions is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The number to call is 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504.

The hotline for health questions is also open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The number to call is 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE SICK

MDH says if you have symptoms of a respiratory disease (such as fever, coughing, muscle aches, sore threat and headache) you should stay home for at least seven days and at least three days with without a fever (without fever-reducing medicine).

If you have symptoms and can manage those symptoms at home, MDH said you do not have to seek health care or be tested for COVID-19. Just stay home if you are sick. If your symptoms worsen, if possible, call ahead before going into your health care provider.

Minnesota Dept. of Health narrowing testing criteria amid national shortage of COVID-19 tests

The Minnesota Department of Health says it is narrowing the criteria to test for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, due to a limited supply of testing materials. 

"People do not need to be tested for COVID-19 if they're in a situation where they'd be able to manage their symptoms at home; since there is no treatment for mild cases, there is no clinical decision that would be made based on the test result," MDH Director of Infectious Disease Kris Ehresmann said.

ABOUT COVID-19

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spread primarily by respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza is spread. It can also spread when people touch surfaces that have been contaminated by an infected person and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, patients with confirmed COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms including fever, cough and shortness of breath. Some patients have had other symptoms including muscle aches, headache, sore throat or diarrhea.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

Tips on washing your hands to reduce spreading germs

Amid the coronavirus outbreak, health officials are advising people to be sure to wash your hands. Follow these tips to help reduce the spread.

The CDC and MDH recommend Minnesotans do the following to protect themselves and others and limit the spread of COVID-19:

Stay home and away from others if you are sick
Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds with soap and water
Avoid touching your face throughout the day
Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. The CDC recommends staying a minimum of 6 feet away.