Coronavirus Updates: The Latest COVID-19 Headlines From April 15, 2020
click to expand
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minnesota health officials say there are now 1,809 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, up 114 from Tuesday's 1,695. There have also been eight more deaths reported. On Tuesday, the International Monetary Fund said that world economy might suffer its worst year since the Great Depression due to the shutdowns in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile in Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz says that the state won't begin to reopen until there is widespread testing and contact tracing.
Here are the latest updates in the COVID-19 pandemic:
- 8:18 p.m.: Gov. Tim Walz announces that the state has received $1 billion from the federal government's Coronavirus Relief Fund.
- 7:08 p.m.: U.S. Representative Omar calls for federal labor investigation into firing of several Amazon employees in Minnesota.
- 6:28 p.m.: Ballet Co. Laboratory announces two live ballet events that celebrate music legends Freddie Mercury and Minnesota's very own Prince. Both opportunities will be available via Zoom.
- 6:10 p.m.: Gov. Tim Walz signed Executive Order 20-36, implementing salary cuts for the Governor, his Chief of Staff, and cabinet members.
- 5:48 p.m.: Valleyfair is still hiring despite uncertainties with 2020 season.
- 5:37 p.m.: Gov. Walz signed the fourth legislative package passed and signed this month to help Minnesotans weather the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 4:39 p.m.: ACLU-Minnesota sues to release MCF-Moose Lake inmates endangered by COVID-19.
- 4:10 p.m.: Social Security Administration announced Wednesday that SSI recipients will receive automatic Economic Impact Payments.
- 4:04 p.m.: Metro Transit is enforcing bus limitations that will take effect Thursday, April 16 to allow for better social distancing practices.
- 2:44 p.m.: Allina Health announces virtual care visits soar amid COVID-19. Learn more here.
- 2:44 p.m.: DHS and USDA move to protect American farmers and ensure the continued flow of America's food supply.
- 2:41 p.m.: In compliance with Gov. Walz's stay-at-home order, the BWCAW will be closed from April 15 to May 4.
- 2:01 p.m.: Wisconsin reports 182 deaths due to COVID-19. There are now 3,721 confirmed cases.
- 12:44 p.m.: Congressman Tom Emmer urges flexibility for employee retention during COVID-19 pandemic.
- 12:30 p.m.: Mayo Clinic says they can produce the thousands of swab tests and blood tests needed for Gov. Walz to consider reopening the state.
- 12:00 p.m.: Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport receives millions in CARES Act funding.
- 11:58 a.m.: DEED implements 13-week extension of Unemployment Insurance.
- 11:00 a.m.: The Minnesota Department of Health reports 8 more deaths due to COVID-19. There are now 1,809 cases in the state.
- 9:51 a.m.: The FDA authorizes first-of-its-kind low-cost ventilator developed by U of M.
- 9:48 a.m.: The Salvation Army Northern Division announced the launch of an Emotional and Spiritual Care Hotline.
- 8:30 a.m.: The government has launched a "Get My Payment" tool to track the COVID-19 stimulus checks.
- 8:24 a.m.: St. Croix National Scenic Riverway announces modifications to operations to implement the latest health guidance.
- 8:10 a.m.: Minnesota-based Best Buy says it's furloughing more than 50,000 hourly workers.
- 7:41 a.m.: U.S retail sales fall by a record 8.7% in March as Americans curb spending, The Associated Press reports.
- 6:29 a.m.: UnitedHealth Group says it won't seek help from the federal government amid the crisis, sticks to its profit outlook for the year.
- 5:49 a.m.: President Donald Trump says that governors will decide when to reopen their states for business, reversing course from earlier statements.
Read more