Thread by @paulhuttnerwx

1. Some interesting trends continue on Minnesota's latest #COVID19 numbers.
First a few reminders from @mnhealth.

-Not all COVID-19 cases are tested, so #'s not representative total # people in Minnesota w/ COVID-19.
-Total approximate # of tests in MN: 19,780

2. @mnhealth Daily situation updates here: health.state.mn.us/diseases/coron…

3. New cases first: The daily number of NEW cases in MN continues to run relatively flat. It has ranged between 22 and 66 for the past 11 days. So NEW cases are not rising exponentially as we have seen in some other states.

4. Compare Minnesota's new case count to Florida. Florida's daily new case count surged in the past 10 days peaking at 898 NEW cases in a single day on March 29.

5. It is quite possible one factor this data reflects is Minnesota's faster and more comprehensive social distancing and policy response, compared to Florida.

6. Now, look at hospitalizations in Minnesota. It's notable to see that the highest number of hospitalizations occurring in the 20 to 44-year old age group. So COVID19 is clearly serious to a wider age range than just those 60+.

7. Finally on #FlattenTheCurve. South Korea shows how effective rigorous testing and social distancing policies work to flatten, even reverse the infection curve. Italy may finally be over the hump.
time.com/5809038/corona…

8. Bottom line? There is clear evidence in the data that effective social distancing works to reduce infection rates. #StayHomeMN