Testing Total approximate number of completed tests: 22,934 Total approximate number of completed tests from the MDH Public Health Lab: 8,580 Total approximate number of completed tests from external laboratories: 13,814 Minnesota Case Information Total positive: 742 Deaths: 18 Patients who no longer need to be isolated: 373 Hospitalization Total cases requiring hospitalization: 138 Hospitalized as of today: 75 Hospitalized in ICU as of today: 38 Demographics Age Median Age Age Range All cases 47 4 months - 104 years Non-hospitalized cases 42 4 months - 104 years Hospitalized cases 64 6 - 98 years Hospitalized cases in ICU 63 25 - 98 years [...]

As restaurants are adjusting to the new normal of take out and drive through service only, owners like Tam Kennedy who runs a Taco Johns franchise in Minnesota are trying to keep business running while also caring for their employees. "All of our employees are still on staff. We wanted to keep everybody working, so we've managed to make that happen right now." Kennedy told Fox News Channel they are doing what they can to support their employees, including sending them home with meal kits using supplies from their restaurant kitchen.

As we continue to social distance, isolation and loneliness can affect people's emotional health, especially older adults. Mayo Clinic Dr. Beth Rush says social interaction and emotional health are intertwined, and during this time when social interaction can't be something that everyone can do, we have to look for alternatives: "Consider writing a letter, sending gifts and gift certificates to online retailers to friends and family," says Dr. Rush. "Even helping them try to use something like FaceTime or Skype, which may or may not work, depending on whether or not they have any cognitive impairment." Rush says by helping others, [...]

As Governor Tim Walz's stay at home order remains in effect, the Minnesota Pharmacists Association (MPhA) has this important reminder: "I think the most important thing to know is that your pharmacist is here as a resource, we are on the front lines and doing our best to care for patients where we can." MPhA Executive Director Sarah Derr says pharmacies are continuing to provide over the counter medications during the stay-at-home order--and many are open for curbside or drive-through pick-up. Many pharmacies can mail medications as well.

Governor Tim Walz announced that the application process for emergency grants for child care providers is open. This funding was passed by the legislature as part of their COVID-19 Response Supplemental Budget. There are approximately 420,000 children under the age of 12 who live in a household of an essential worker within a critical sector. Of these, the state estimates that during this peacetime emergency, about 270,000 children will need care and approximately 120,000 are likely to need and use licensed child care settings. These grants will provide about $10 million per month over the next few months to support basic [...]