Stay-At-Home Order Expires Monday, But COVID-19 Deaths Still Increasing

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota has recorded 25 more COVID-19 deaths and 523 new confirmed coronavirus cases, the Minnesota Department of Health reported Thursday.

The new figures raised Minnesota’s death toll to 663 and its confirmed case count to 13,435. State officials caution that the total count is just a fraction of the total number of Minnesotans who’ve been infected.

Twenty of the 25 new deaths were among residents of long-term care or assisted living facilities for a total of 537.

The department also said 498 people were hospitalized with the disease as of Thursday. That total includes 203 patients in intensive care, an increase of four from Wednesday, which represented a new high. State and private labs reported 6,717 new completed tests Thursday, the highest one-day total yet.

Gov. Tim Walz said Wednesday he will let his stay-at-home order expire as scheduled Monday, though he’ll leave key restrictions in place.

Retail stores, malls and Main Street businesses can reopen Monday for in-store shopping if they have social distancing in place for workers and customers and are at no more than 50% occupant capacity.

The governor also directed his cabinet to come up with ways to safely reopen bars, restaurants, barbershops and salons starting June 1.