Health

Health
North Dakota confirms two new cases of COVID-19
North Dakota officials confirmed two new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to three.
Minnesota tightens criteria for COVID-19 testing
State health officials Tuesday said the move will allow them to focus on highest-priority patients: Health care workers, patients already being hospitalized and those who live in what the department calls “congregate living” situations, such as long-term care facilities or nursing homes.
Minnesota unemployment office receiving 2,000 applications an hour
An executive order temporarily closing or limiting some Minnesota businesses is expected to trigger the largest unemployment payout in state history. The commissioner handling that effort spoke with MPR News’ All Things Considered host Tom Crann.
Minn. state parks, trails stay open amid COVID-19 pandemic
State parks and trails will remain open for now, the Department of Natural Resources says, but park offices and visitor centers will close during the coronavirus outbreak.
Walz gets some legislative pushback on closure order
Some Republican lawmakers are questioning whether Gov. Tim Walz went too far in ordering bars, restaurants and other businesses to close in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Coronavirus and the U.S. health care system challenges
As cases of COVID-19 increase, some health experts and agencies are concerned about whether hospitals in the United States are prepared for an increase of patients. We talk with two doctors about health system preparedness and the role of social distancing.
Poll: Nearly 1 in 5 households have lost work because of pandemic
Nearly 20% of U.S. households have experienced either a layoff or a reduction in work hours because of the coronavirus, according to a new NPR/PBS Newshour/Marist poll.
Mall of America closes due to COVID-19 concerns
The Mall of America will close temporarily beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday until at least March 31.