MDH confirms 19 more positive tests for COVID-19, total up to 54 in state
[KSTP-TV]
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirmed on Monday that 19 more COVID-19 tests have come back positive in the state.
That brings the total number of positive cases in Minnesota to 54, out of approximately 1,893 patients tested. The state’s public health lab has also seen a surge in testing.
In a call Sunday afternoon, MDH confirmed the state’s first three cases of community spread illness, meaning it spread from person-to-person in the state rather than from exposure during travel as the previous cases had.
Among the new confirmed cases are patients from Blue Earth, Benton and Sherburne counties. The others include Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Olmsted, Ramsey, Renville, Stearns, Waseca, Washington and Wright counties.
All K-12 public schools will be closed in the state from March 18 through March 27 after Gov. Walz signed an executive order Sunday.
MDH did not provide additional detail on the demographics of those who tested positive for the virus, but more information is expected to be released Monday afternoon.
The Mayo Clinic says there is a lack of blood donations at this current time and are asking people to donate. They are calling this shortage "critical," especially due to summer months having a higher demand for blood.
This is a developing story. Check back with KSTP.com for the latest information.