Coronavirus Updates: The Latest COVID-19 Headlines From April 16, 2020

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- On Wednesday, Minnesota saw its biggest daily uptick in new COVID-19 cases, with 114 tests coming back positive. Meanwhile, Americans have started receiving stimulus payments, and the government has launched a tool so citizens can track their relief checks.

Here are the latest headlines in the COVID-19 pandemic:

• 5:02 p.m. Minnesota National Guard delivers cots to facilitate social distancing at Minnesota Corrections Facility - Willow River.
• 4:41 p.m. Hennepin County Sheriff's Office offers tips for boating safely during social distancing. Learn more here.
• 4:32 p.m. Metro Transit light rail service hours to be reduced beginning April 18 in support of COVID-19 response.
• 4:07 p.m. Hy-Vee and Sol Group to donate more than 2,000 jumbo watermelons to Second Harvest Heartland.
• 2:21 p.m. Wisconsin reports the death toll has risen to 197 due to COVID-19. There are now 3,875 cases in the state.
• 2:15 p.m. Minnesota Senate passes legislation allowing beer and wine to-go.
• 1:51 p.m. Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board announced additional updates to parkway closures to allow for social distancing by pedestrians.
• 1:15 p.m. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers extends Stay-at-Home order to May 26 due to COVID-19.
• 1:13 p.m. SPCO concerts now canceled through the end of the 2019 - 2020 season.
• 12:40 p.m. Minnesota DHS announces it has temporarily modified procedures to make it easier for people to get assistance.
• 11:19 a.m. M Health Fairview launches an innovative method to clean N95 masks using UV light.
• 11:19 a.m. Walgreens announces it's looking to fill over 500 jobs in Minnesota.
• 11:07 a.m.The City of Minneapolis announced Thursday that it's working with community partners to open four new hygiene stations for people experiencing homelessness in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 11:00 a.m. Minnesota Department of Health reports a total of 1,912 positive cases of COVID-19 in the state and an additional seven deaths. 
• 9:48 a.m. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board says West Bde Maka Ska Parkway is closed to motor vehicles so as to allow more room for social distancing for pedestrians. Meanwhile, Lake Harriet Parkway has reopened to motor vehicles.
• 9:40 a.m. A group of Minnesotans says they plan to protest the governor's stay-at-home order Thursday at the governor's mansion in St. Paul.
• 9 a.m. Minnesota lawmakers announce agreement on to-go alcohol sales for restaurants.
• 8:31 a.m. Attorney General Keith Ellison's mother Clida passed away from COVID-19 complications in Detroit. 
• 8:27 a.m. Rep. Ilhan Omar called for an investigation into Amazon over the company's firing of two Shakopee warehouse workers who raised concerns about workplace safety due to COVID-19.
• 8:20 a.m. The Minnesota Historical Society announces that it's closing its museums and sites through June 30 and furloughing 274 workers.
• 6:15 a.m. Meat giant Smithfield Foods has closed two more plants -- including one in Wisconsin -- over coronavirus concerns.
• 6:02 a.m. Researchers say the COVID-19 death toll in the U.S. is approaching 31,000.
• 3:40 a.m. The Rams' Brian Allen appears to be the first NFL player known to test positive for COVID-19.