The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Minnesota has jumped to 35, and state health officials say they have seen the first three cases of “community transmission” where the virus passed from one person to another within the state.
Infectious disease director Kris Erhsman says this means there is now an increased urgency for people age 70 and older as well as those with certain underlying health conditions to take extra precautions.
For the first 21 confirmed cases in Minnesota, the patients had links to travel or exposure to known COVID-19 patients.
Earlier Sunday, Governor Tim Walz announced an executive order requiring Minnesota schools to close by Wednesday and remain closed until at least March 27.