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The Minnesota Department of Health said Monday that events with 50 or more people in attendance should be canceled in accordance with updated guidelines from the CDC. 

As the numbers of confirmed cases of COVID-19 grow, governments on the city, county and state levels are adjusting their operations to support public health officials’ pleas that 

Here are the latest developments in Minnesota as of Monday, March 16: 

Besides emphasizing that gatherings should be limited, state infectious disease director Kris Ehresmann said during a briefing on Monday that testing for COVID-19 remains limited in the state. She said with such high demand for testing, the health department is prioritizing hospitals and health care workers. 

“As we see more and more cases, we really need to start focusing where our energies are in a manner that will best support the health care system,” Ehresmann said. 

She said it can take up to 72 hours for the health department to get a result after receiving a sample.

When asked if the state’s health system is prepared for a major uptick in cases, Ehresmann acknowledged the situation “is very unprecedented.”

“I think that despite all that planning and preparedness, it’s likely that we will have challenges,” she said. “There are many things we’re dealing with that we have not dealt with in the past.”

At a news conference Monday morning, Duluth Mayor Emily Larson said all city buildings will be closed to the public, starting Tuesday. City officials said the government’s key services will continue, with some modifications. 

While all of Minnesota’s confirmed cases are located in the southern half of the state — and none so far in the city of Duluth — city officials, from public safety to transportation to education, said the measures are meant to blunt the impact of the highly contagious disease.

“I think, as always in the history of public safety, when things get tough, we step up,” Police Chief Mike Tusken said.

Officials continue to emphasize frequent hand-washing, disinfecting of surfaces and social distancing as ways to mitigate the spread of the virus. Many employers across the state are encouraging their staffs to work from home, major events are being canceled and some restaurants are closing or shifting to a delivery and takeout model for the time being.

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At least 13 counties have reported cases, but most are in Hennepin and Ramsey counties. Over the weekend, health officials marked a milestone in the virus’ movement, identifying the state’s first three cases of community transmission.

Latest on COVID-19 in Minnesota: 54 confirmed cases, events with 50+ people should be canceled

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