Coronavirus Updates: The Latest COVID-19 Headlines From April 10, 2020
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- On Thursday night, landmarks in the Twin Cities -- such as the Interstate 35W Bridge and U.S. Bank Stadium -- shone blue in honor of frontline health care workers across the world. It was part of the #LightItBlue campaign, which was first launched in the U.K. last month. Also on Thursday, Vice President Mike Pence said Americans should start seeing stimulus checks arrive in their bank accounts late next week.
Here are the latest updates in the COVID-19 pandemic:
- 10:03 p.m.: The first COVID-19 case in Becker County was confirmed.
- 8:38 p.m.: The Minnesota DNR has temporarily closed Grand Portage State Park along the Canadian Border on the North Shore of Lake Superior due to COVID-19.
- 6:20 p.m.: The University of Minnesota will hold a virtual celebration for all graduates on Saturday, May 16.
- 5:36 p.m.: Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive directing the Commissioner of Health to develop protocol for the sharing of COVID-19 related information while safeguarding patient privacy. This will mean that the address where a positive COVID-19 case has been identified and is still contagious can be disclosed to 911 dispatchers and first responders, but in a very limited fashion.
- 5:10 p.m.: Families of health care workers are getting help staying safe, as hundreds of RV owners are lending their trailers to hospital staff so they can isolate but still be near loved ones.
- 5:01 p.m.: Metro Transit says an employee at its Heywood Garage has contracted COVID-19.
- 3:57 p.m.: The U.S. Department of Education is automatically giving most federal student loan borrowers a break from their monthly bills until at least October.
- 1:56 p.m.: The Mayo Clinic announced on Friday that it will be temporarily furloughing some of its staff and reducing salaries for all non-hourly employees, amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
- 1:23 p.m.: In a show of support for Minnesotans who are united in their fight against the coronavirus pandemic, the Split Rock Lighthouse on Lake Superior's north shore will light its beacon.
- 12:40 p.m.: Researchers say the global death toll for COVID-19 has hit 100,000.
- 12:10 p.m.: St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter discusses some of the factors being weighed in the decision whether or not to cancel this year's Minnesota State Fair.
- 11:51 a.m.: Two construction companies are suing the city of Brooklyn Center for stopping projects due to the coronavirus outbreak.
- 11:45 a.m.:The Department of Corrections says some state prisoners could be released as early as next week. Advocates have called for the release of prisoners at-risk for COVID-19.
- 11 a.m.: Health officials report seven more deaths and nearly 100 new COVID-19 cases in Minnesota.
- 9:18 a.m.: The Minnesota Judicial Branch says limited access to courthouses will continue through May 4, the end of the governor's stay-at-home order. In the meantime, hearings will proceed using remote technology.
- 8:46 a.m.: Metro Transit is now asking public transit riders to wear masks or face coverings.
- 7:44 a.m.: The Edina Art Fair, which is often a celebration of spring in Minnesota, has been pushed back to August.
- 6:10 a.m.: According to researchers, the number of people being hospitalized with COVID-19 in New York and California is now falling.
- 6:10 a.m.: A CBS News poll shows that views on President Donald Trump's handling of the outbreak have ticked down for the second consecutive week. Now is the first time more Americans say he's doing a bad job than a good one.
- 5:30 a.m.: Images show mass burials at a New York City public cemetery as city shortens deadline for claiming dead.