Minnesota may be ready to start to reopen businesses that were closed to slow the spread of the coronavirus, but the state can quickly change course if the outbreak flares up unexpectedly.
The Minnesota Department of Health has created a “Dial Back Dashboard” of data that will help Gov. Tim Walz’s administration decide if future restrictions are needed to rein in the spread of COVID-19. It includes information about the number of cases, testing capacity, infection rate and how the virus is circulating in the community.
In fact, Minnesota is already exceeding at least one of the metrics: community transmission, which refers to when the virus is spreading without obvious links between patients. The state continues to have strong testing capacity and a relatively stable growth in cases.
Ruth Lynfield, an epidemiologist with the state Department of Health, said the measures are pulled from the most important data the state is collecting as well as federal guidelines for when restrictions on businesses, gatherings and travel are needed.
“The governor asked us to come up with some measures with which we can assess the outbreak in Minnesota,” Lynfield said. “We are continuing to refine these measures and, over the coming weeks, we will potentially add some measures or tweak them as we see how it works or as we get more information.”
The state Department of Health reported Thursday that Minnesota has 13,435 coronavirus infections and 663 patients who have died of COVID-19. Of those with laboratory-confirmed infections, 8,473 patients have recovered while 498 are hospitalized with 203 in critical condition.
Gov. Tim Walz announced Wednesday the current stay-at-home order will expire May 18 as planned and be replaced by less stringent guidance to slow the spread of the virus. Restaurants, bars and other large gathering places will be closed at least until June 1.
Walz also extended the peacetime state of emergency he first declared in March that has allowed the Democratic governor to impose restrictions on travel, schools and businesses. Those limits have led to nearly 667,000 people filing for unemployment.
Walz said the restrictions were needed to give hospitals and clinics time to prepare for a flood of critical patients when virus infections peak this summer. Statistical modeling suggests the state is better prepared for the 3,300 critical patient peak that is expected.
If the state’s “Dial Back Dashboard” shows certain aspects of the outbreak growing beyond expectation or control, state health officials say leaders will consider re-establishing certain restrictions on businesses and gatherings.
Despite the move to reopen parts of the state, Lynfield cautioned seniors and others with pre-existing health conditions to continue to limit their contact. She noted the coronavirus is a “stealth disease” carried by many who do not know they are spreading it.
“We are still very concerned about our elderly and those with underlying conditions,” Lynfield said. “We want them to be safe.”
THE DIAL BACK DASHBOARD
To find the state’s new Dial Back Dashboard, go to mn.gov/covid19 and search “Dial Back Dashboard”.
