Coronavirus Updates: The Latest COVID-19 Headlines From March 20, 2020
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- On Friday, the number of positive coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Minnesota climbed to 115, and in Wisconsin the number of cases rose to 206. Meanwhile, lawmakers in Washington are getting closer to finalizing emergency legislation that would send checks -- up to $1,200 -- to individuals in hopes of stimulating the economy amid the pandemic.
Here are the latest COVID-19 headlines:
- 7:40 p.m. Health officials announced the third COVID-19 death in Wisconsin.
- 7:34 p.m. The Minnesota Department of Health has confirmed that a St. Thomas Law School student has tested positive for COVID-19.
- 7:01 p.m. DoorDash launches #OpenForDelivery campaign to Support the restaurant industry
- 6:43 p.m. Surly Brewing is using their empty lot for a blood drive on Monday, March 23 from 12 to 5 p.m. to help with the blood shortage.
- 6:20 p.m. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Gov. Tim Walz to craft the Governor's new executive order banning price-gouging on essential goods and services during the peacetime emergency.
- 6:03 p.m. Gov. Tim Walz said Friday that he might have to follow California's lead at some point and order residents to shelter in place to try to slow the spread of COVID-19.
- 5:35 p.m. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is keeping its 28 rest areas under normal operation to support truckers during a critical time for moving supplies.
- 5:14 p.m. Hy-Vee seeks temporary hourly employees to help restock stores, serve customers
- 4:25 p.m. Due to nationwide shortages, Essentia Health is changing their testing criteria, following guidelines by MDH in regard to who is eligible for COVID-19 testing.
- 2:57 p.m. The International Wolf Center in Ely is now closed to the public until at least April 5. Live cameras will continue to function, and free online activities are scheduled.
- 2:30 p.m. The YMCA will be open for school age child care from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, starting on March 23.
- 2:30 p.m. Rep. Ilhan Omar led a letter calling for a suspension of interior immigration enforcement, a deportation freeze and a comprehensive plan to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in immigration detention facilities.
- 2:10 p.m. Positive cases of COVID-19 in Wisconsin grow to 206. Governor expects more virus deaths.
- 2 p.m. Gov. Tim Walz confirms grocery store workers have been granted special emergency worker status, granting them eligibility for childcare
- 1:45 p.m. Gov. Tim Walz announced on Friday a special 30-day MNsure enrollment period for those currently without insurance in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.
- 1:10 p.m. Flower company Bachman's donates bouquets to Minnesota nursing homes.
- 1:05 p.m. Gov. Tim Walz signs executive orders banning price gouging and ensuring resources for the vulnerable.
- 1:05 p.m. Target says it's investing $300 million in its employees amid the pandemic, giving team members wage increases and paid leave for those at risk.
- 12:56 p.m.: Minnesota company 3M says they are ramping up production on their line of N95 respirators to nearly 100 million per month.
- 11:30 a.m.: Gov. Tim Walz said Friday that he might have to follow California's lead at some point and order residents to shelter in place to try to slow the spread of COVID-19.
- 11:04 a.m.: Number of positive COVID-19 cases in Minnesota breaks into the triple digits, hitting 115.
- 10:30 a.m.: New York governor orders all employers to keep workers home, except essential workers. Gatherings of any size banned.
- 9:04 a.m.: Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin announces that the deadline to file federal taxes has been pushed back from April 15 to July 15.
- 9 a.m.: Wisconsin official report the third death in the state connected to COVID-19.
- 8:27 a.m.: Target announces that it will limit the amount of cleaning supplies and toilet paper consumers can purchase at any given visit.
- 6:57 a.m.: The Animal Humane Society is slated to close all of its locations by Sunday evening, so now is the time to adopt. The organization says it will remain closed until May 2.
- 5:48 a.m.: Californians are under orders to stay home unless they absolutely have to go out to meet essential needs.
