MN Gov @GovTimWalz begins COVID-19 update 3/20/2020
Walz to Minnesotans: "I am grateful for your compassion."
Walz says he will hold daily coronovirus updates.
Now 115 confirmed cases of cornovirus in MN, testing backlog down from 1700 to 1291.
Minnesota companies are stepping up to fill the gap, after President Trump said the federal government "is not a shipping clerk", Walz says.
MN asking retired medical workers including nurses, technicicans, and others to come back to work during coronavirus crisis.
Grocery store workers granted special emergency status to keep stores stocked with supplies.
Walz says there is a surge in sales of educational books and children's books during crisis.
Walz says price gouging is happening; hand sanitizer for $60 and sales of single sanitizer "squirts". He signed exec order enacting penalties.
MN has served 89,000 meals to children.
38 MN YMCAs opening doors to K-6 school age children who need place to go starting Monday.
MN Dept of Health: 115 cases, 17-94 YO, no children.
MN officials say the number of cases are very likely undercounted and that virus is spreading "in every community".
Availability of testing "is a moving target" around the state, says Health Dept, still not enough kits available.
MN officials say 95,000 people applied for unemployment benefits this week a record. Previous record is 36,000. State says 85% have never applied for unemployment before.
MN Education Dept says it served 119,000 meals to low income students after K-12 schools shut down.
MN Gov Walz says he is not prepared to order shelter in place like California and other states have done, but may order it in the future if the crisis gets worse.
Walz: I will make "shelter in place" decision based on daily metrics like masks available, if number of patients spikes, extent of virus spread in MN communities.
Other MN updates: State health care website MNSure will have special enrollment period for uninsured beginning next week.
Gov Walz says Minnesota has not yet delayed April 15 state tax filing deadline, but is working to make it happen.
Fed govt has delayed federal tax deadline until July.
Fed govt has delayed federal tax deadline until July.
MN considering closing shopping malls, because of size and public contact. No decision.
Gov says mall closing decision will be based on future metrics of how easily the virus is transmitted and problems with social distancing.
If National Guard is mobilized at state prisons, Gov says it will likely be for food service instead of prison guards.
MN Health Dept says it does not yet know how many ICU beds and ventilators are available in the state, but is working quickly on modeling for expected demand.
To clarify: modeling is to figure out how many beds and ventilators will be needed relative to what currently exists in the state.
Gov Walz says state is considering allowing alcohol to be served with takeout and curbside food orders now that bars and restaurants are closed.
MN Gov thanks Miinesotans "for the caring that you have shown and the patience you have shown and the uplifting of your spirit."
Walz says Minnesotans are adjusting to a difficult present; he son has been falling asleep with iPhone playing March Madness games from the past.
END OF MN GOV @GovTimWalz COVID-19 UPDATE 3/20
