Coronavirus In Minnesota: Teen Among 21 Positive COVID-19 Cases; Walz Asks Pence For More Tests
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Department Of Health released an update Saturday on the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Minnesota, announcing that the number of patients who have tested positive has increased from 14 to 21.
The patients include a Stearns County resident in their 60s, two Hennepin County residents in their 60s and one in their 30. Ramsey and Renville counties each have a resident in their 30s who have also tested positive, and a Dakota County teenager also tested positive.
Many of the confirmed cases are clustered near the metro area, particularly in Hennepin and Ramsey counties, as well as in Anoka, Dakota, Carver, and Wright counties. There have not been any confirmed cases of the disease in northern Minnesota. A map posted by the Minnesota Department of Health shows the spread of the illness.
None of them are hospitalized, and all are recovering at home. MDH officials also say none of the cases are due to community spread.
As of Saturday, 868 Minnesotans have been tested for the illness. Three-hundred people alone were tested Friday in the state. All tests administered so far have been conducted by the state, but more tests will be done as commercial labs get up and running.
RELATED: Coronavirus Resource Page
Gov. Tim Walz declared a peacetime emergency in Minnesota Friday, and he and state health officials say they do not have enough tests for everyone who wants one. Walz is now asking Vice President Mike Pence for at least 15,000 test per month.
For most people affected by COVID-19, symptoms are mild. However, the disease can be threatening to the elderly and people with sensitive lungs. Even so, the vast majority of people who get the virus recover. In order to stop the spread of COVID-19, health officials are urging the public to wash their hands regularly, stay home if sick and avoid close contact with people.
MDH officials say a lot of people are looking for answers right now. More than half of a million people visited the state's COVID-19 website Friday, and about 1,700 calls were made to its hotline.
The department is expanding its hours to better accommodate questions. Residents can now call 651-201-3920, any day of the week, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
