MN Gov. Tim Walz To Announce Coronavirus Restrictions: Livestream

TWIN CITIES, MN — Gov. Tim Walz is set to announce statewide restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic Wednesday. Since Nov. 20, Walz's administration has enforced a "four-week pause" on social activities, in-person dining, sports, and gym usage as a way to combat the spike in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.

Walz's ordered "pause" is set to expire Friday at 11:59 p.m.

The live announcement will begin at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday. Patch will carry a livestream of the governor's announcement.

Walz will be joined by Dr. Kenneth Holmen, President, and CEO of CentraCare Media, Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm, Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove, and Education Deputy Commissioner Heather Mueller.

Minnesota Sees Steady Reduction In Cases, Deaths

Recent data released this week indicates that Minnesota may be reaching the end of its record-breaking surge in coronavirus cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. On Tuesday, the state reported 21 deaths and 2,340 new cases. Cases have been generally on the decline since they reached a daily peak of 8,743 on Nov. 9. Deaths have also been trending down since 101 were reported on Nov. 27.

Hospitals remain near capacity throughout the state, however. In the Twin Cities metro, more than 95 percent of ICU beds are in use.

Also read: Coronavirus: Officials Suspend MN Restaurant's Liquor License