Coronavirus Update In Minnesota: 9 Cases, 316 Tested

MINNESOTA — There are now nine confirmed cases of coronavirus, or COVID-19, in Minnesota, according to state health officials. Those cases have been found in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Olmsted, Ramsey, and Stearns counties.

The most recent case is a resident of Dakota County who traveled to Europe in February. After the patient sought care, samples were collected from the person and sent to the MDH Public Health Laboratory for testing on March 11 where it was determined to be a positive case, according to a news release.

Cancellations of schools, sporting events, and other gatherings continued Thursday.

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St. Thomas Academy and Visitation School classes were canceled after an STA parent was confirmed to have COVID-19.

Archbishop Bernard Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis is allowing Catholics in the Twin Cities metro to choose to skip Mass in order to avoid the spread of the disease.

The Minnesota Gophers were scheduled to play the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament Thursday in Indianapolis. However, the Big Ten and the overall NCAA tournament was canceled.

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Wild are no longer playing games, as the NBA and NHL have suspended their seasons. The MLS season has also been suspended.

The Minnesota Vikings are suspending travel for its coaches and scouts "until further notice" as a precautionary measure. The organization is also implementing the recommended protocols at its headquarters in Eagan.

What the Minnesota Department of Health is saying

While many large public gatherings are being cancelled, Minnesota health officials Thursday said it does not recommend closing schools during the spread COVID-19. MDH says that doing so could do more harm than good.

"So far, none of Minnesota's cases have been in school-aged children, and very few cases worldwide have been in children," MDH stated.

"Closing schools can have serious impacts, such as children not being able to get necessary nutrition, and there is a ripple effect when parents have to miss work or find child care due to children being out of school."

MDH said it's working with the education department to get more recommendations to schools.

Health officials say the most important thing Minnesotans can do right now to protect themselves, their families and their communities is to take everyday steps to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.

Those include:

• Staying home if you have cold or flu-like symptoms and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into your sleeve , and then throwing the tissue in the trash.
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds , especially after going to the bathroom or before eating. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Also read:

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• University Of Minnesota Suspends In-Person Classes
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