Stories from March 27, 2020

Thinking of heading to a cabin to wait out the coronavirus? Here are a few things to consider
With the state under a two-week stay-at-home order starting at midnight Friday, people with the option might be thinking of packing up and heading out of town for the next few weeks. But state officials ask that you consider that decision carefully.
State health officials are trying to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota’s senior living facilities, where the population is particularly vulnerable. MPR News evening update for March 27, 2020. Hosted by Nina Moini.
From Louis Erdrich to Kurt Vonnegut, a reading list for social distancing
In a time of change and turmoil, many listeners are turning to books for entertainment and comfort. Listeners and book experts nominated their favorites during a recent conversation on MPR News with Kerri Miller.
States and stores are banning reusable bags during COVID-19 pandemic. Is it safe to use them?
The governors of Massachusetts and New Hampshire have temporarily ordered the use of disposable bags in stores around their states as a way to tamp down the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. And grocery stores around the country, including some in Minnesota, are putting restrictions on them. But are the fears warranted?
4 dead aboard cruise ship with COVID-19 cases
More than 140 others are sick aboard a cruise ship holding off the coast of Panama. The cruise line Holland America wants to move the ill coronavirus patients to the United States.
Politics Friday: Minnesota Department of Health commissioner answers COVID-19 questions
Just three weeks ago, the Minnesota Department of Health reported the state’s first case of coronavirus. Now, Minnesota’s numbers are up to 398 cases and four deaths.
Musicians move their shows online, but it's not a living
In the days since Minnesota bars and concert halls and other performance venues were ordered to close, many artists have moved their shows online. They offer livestreamed house concerts, pop-up performances and other opportunities for people to enjoy their talent via the internet.
Photos: Quiet spaces in the time of coronavirus
In a time of social distancing and self isolation, spaces that normally would be filled with people and the sounds of activity sit empty and quiet.
The ethics of how we respond to the spread of the new coronavirus
The uptick of COVID-19 cases isn’t just challenging our economy and our health systems. It’s also requiring medical workers, government officials and our communities to make difficult choices. We look at the ethical questions raised by the spread of coronavirus.
What we know about the spread of coronavirus and ‘flattening the curve’
Gov. Tim Walz told Minnesotans this week that the state has gone past the point of flattening the curve. We turn to an infectious disease physician to understand what the data shows about the spread of the new coronavirus in the state and the executive stay-at-home order.
Catch up on great radio from MPR News Presents
MPR News Presents is on a brief break while we adjust to changing news cycles. But that’s a perfect reason to catch up on some of the best from our radio series that brings you great documentaries, debates, and innovative ideas.
Keep your game night rolling (at a safe distance) with these 3 online services
If your regular game night's been disrupted by social distancing, here are a few ways that you can take tabletop games online — so you can stay safe and still trash talk your friends when you win.
Trump signs $2.2T stimulus after swift congressional votes
President Donald Trump has signed an unprecedented $2.2 trillion economic rescue package into law, after swift and near-unanimous action by Congress this week.
MN health commissioner: 'This is going to unfold over a year or 18 months'
At the center of Minnesota’s response to the health crisis is MDH Commissioner Jan Malcolm, who has been a regular at Gov. Tim Walz’s daily updates on the state of Minnesota’s health this week. She answered questions from Politics Friday host Mike Mulcahy and MPR News listeners about what we might expect from the rapidly changing situation.
Red Cross alerts donors in Minneapolis of possible coronavirus exposure
The American Red Cross Minnesota said two of its Minneapolis Blood Donation Center employees became ill with coronavirus symptoms and that it has notified 19 donors they may have been exposed to the virus.
Wondering how to manage isolation? Polar explorer Will Steger has been there.
Beginning Friday at 11:59 p.m., Minnesotans are being asked to stay home unless absolutely necessary. MPR News host Cathy Wurzer talked with Steger about how to make the most of this experience.
March 27, 2020. Morning update hosted by Cathy Wurzer.
Bob Dylan releases epic new song, 'Murder Most Foul'
The iconic songwriter surprised fans at midnight with a 17-minute song about the assassination of JFK.
Other than a few areas of light morning fog, Friday will be mild, and the state will see a fair amount of sunshine before rain moves in late in the day.
By age 85, she'd given 23 gallons of blood: 'Because I can'
Lillian Bloodworth, now 92, says when she first started to give blood, other donors would read her name tag and ask if that was really her name or if it was a gimmick for the blood bank.
British Prime Minister Johnson tests positive for virus
Johnson said that he was tested on the advice of the chief medical officer after showing “mild symptoms” involving a temperature and a persistent cough. He is now self-isolating and working from home.
In the midst of a pandemic, in-home care providers face new challenges, stresses
Among the people who are still allowed to go to work during the coronavirus pandemic are personal care assistants and other in-home helpers. They provide essential living services to people who are elderly or who have disabilities. But the virus has created a new set of challenges for an industry that's already short-staffed and underpaid.
Coronavirus has upended our world. It's OK to grieve
Psychologists say that what a lot of us are feeling these days is, in fact, a form of grief. Here's how to honor that feeling and regain equilibrium as we face an unknown future.