St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - Minnesota health officials today reported 27 new confirmed COVID-19 cases statewide.

The overall total from testing at the state Public Health Lab is now up to 262 with over 5800 samples tested. So far, Minnesota has experienced one coronavirus-related death, 21 people have required hospitalization and officials say 15 are currently hospitalized with 7 being treated in ICU.

In Olmsted County, 2 new COVID 19 cases were reported today, which raised the total since the start of the pandemic to 18. A spokesperson for Olmsted Public Health today noted that community transmission was likely the source of infection for at least a couple of the local cases. Only one other new case was reported today in southeastern Minnesota. It was in Dodge County, which is now reporting 3 cases.

Governor Tim Walz spoke at the state health department's daily briefing on the coronavirus outbreak. He indicated the data suggests the actions already taken by the state and an apparent inclination among Minnesotans to practice social distancing are having an impact on slowing the spread of the new virus in the state. Walz stressed that a "shelter in place" order is still in his toolbox but he also stated that a less restrictive response might be just as effective at preventing Minnesota's health care system from being overwhelmed to the point that the demand for ICU beds outstrips the state’s current supply of 243 intensive care beds.

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