Minnesota

The newest numbers come after Gov. Tim Walz released the basics of a plan to aid bar and restaurant owners and workers hurt by the current ban on in-person service.

Gov. Tim Walz said Monday he’s proposing financial help for restaurant and bar owners and workers hurt by the current COVID-19 restrictions. He also rolled out an app for COVID-19 exposure alerts. Officials reported more than 6,000 new cases of the disease, and 24 deaths.

A nonprofit organization has purchased more than 70,000 acres of northern and central Minnesota forest formerly owned by the paper and lumber giant Potlatch.

Minnesota health officials reported another 7,219 COVID-19 cases and 40 more deaths on Sunday. But the average daily number of newly confirmed cases over the past week ticked downward for the second straight day.

Some Minnesota bars and restaurants offered food and drink specials to entice customers one more time on Friday night before a statewide closure took effect. 

At the end of a grim week in Minnesota, there was a glimmer of hope: The rolling weekly average of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases went down for the first time since Oct. 26. It could be evidence the state has cleared a peak — but it could also just be a momentary blip in the numbers.

Minnesotans donated a record $30.4 million to nonprofits and schools during the annual Give to the Max campaign. Minnesotans responded to the needs of organizations trying to help more people with less money, says GiveMN Executive Director Jake Blumberg.

The newest numbers come a day after state officials and hospital system executives warned the surge is putting a heavy strain on care workers. The health care system is getting “perilously close” to being overwhelmed, one CEO said.

Central Minnesota’s largest health care provider announced Thursday it will designate its hospital in Sauk Centre to care exclusively for patients with COVID-19.

How is racism preventing young Black people from connecting with culturally appropriate care? How are Black youth remaining resilient during this difficult time and amid the challenges of persistent historic and institutional racism? Join Call to Mind correspondent Alisa Roth for this in-depth, interactive virtual town hall discussion.