Coronavirus Updates: The Latest COVID-19 Headlines From March 27, 2020
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MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Today is Friday, March 27, and at midnight Gov. Tim Walz's stay-at-home order goes into effect. He asked Minnesotans to stay at home for two weeks, only leaving for essential activities, such as getting groceries and exercise. The U.S. has the most confirmed COVID-19 cases - 85,000 - in the world, surpassing the number of cases in China and Italy. Meanwhile, lawmakers in the U.S. House are poised to take up the $2 trillion relief bill.
Here are the latest updates on the COVID-19 pandemic:
- 5:05 p.m.: M Health Fairview is implementing universal masking for all patient-facing staff.
- 5:04 p.m.: Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board announced Lake Harriet Parkway and Lake Nokomis Parkway closures to help trail users maintain social distancing.
- 4:21 p.m.: U.S. Senator Tina Smith's addresses the negative mental and physical health effects of social isolation among seniors, as well as efforts to strengthen grants for Tribal organizations to provide home and community-based services.
- 4:17 p.m.: The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division (DPS-DVS) is closing all exam stations statewide beginning Friday and through April 10, in response to Gov. Walz' stay-at-home order.
- 4:17 p.m.: The University of Minnesota's COVID-19 plan, which asked lab researchers to "euthanize [animals] as soon as [their] data is collected," prompts a complaint from PETA.
- 4:00 p.m.: The abandoned Prairie Correctional Facility in Appleton is gearing up to become a medical facility.
- 3:46 p.m.: A St. Paul Police officer has tested positive for COVID-19 and is encouraging others to protect themselves from the disease.
- 3:17 p.m.: Attorney General Keith Ellison stops a local company from profiting from 'pandemic profiteering."
- 3:03 p.m.: Over 200,000 Minnesotans have filed for unemployment benefits since March 16.
- 2 p.m.: Gov. Walz and health officials give update on COVID-19 response in Minnesota. Follow Pat Kessler's updates on Twitter.Follow Pat Kessler's updates on Twitter.
- 12:31 p.m.: The U.S. House OKs the $2 trillion relief package, rushing it to President Donald Trump for his signature.
- 11:57 a.m.: North Dakota reports its first death related to COVID-19.
- 11:00 a.m.: State health officials report four Minnesotans have died due to COVID-19, as the total confirmed number of cases rises to 398.
- 10:32 a.m.: Wisconsin-based group Bon Iver says they'll donate 10% of merchandise proceeds to state residents impacted by COVID-19.
- 9:02 a.m.: The Animal Humane Society donates personal protective equipment to local hospitals in need.
- 9:00 a.m.: The West River Parkway and Main Street Southeast will close to car traffic in certain areas to allow walkers and joggers to maintain social distancing.
- 7:58 a.m.:The House is expected to approve Friday the $2 trillion relief bill, which includes direct payments to most Americans and expanded unemployment insurance.
- 6:20 a.m.:U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson tests positive for COVID-19.
- 4:34 a.m.:President Trump tweeted early Friday that he spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping about the coronavirus.
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