Minnesota Report
The Chinese lock down of Wuhan started on January 23, and it is being lifted now after 76 days. Theirs was far more astringent than Governor Tim Walz’ (DFL-MN) Stay-at-Home order on March 27th, but using three months as an indicator, we could be looking at the end of June before being free of this first wave of COVID-19. Walz is expected to extend the order until April 30th later today (now that he has spoken it will be until May 4th), to view the announcement click here, with some modifications. We expect golf courses and outdoors employment like landscaping might be allowed, but the general experience for many of us will remain in status quo.
The major issue on the duration will be whether the virus has run its course and the medical institutions are able to handle the load of the cases at that time. If we listen to our own former State Epidemiologist Dr. Michael Osterholm the COVID-19 will remain a significant factor until 70% of our population has been infected. As we learned on Monday, Minnesota has the lowest infection rate with 17 out of 100,000 people. Although, we are expecting to hear increases in cases especially from those in congregate living situations. This means increased cases from senior living facilities especial high rises, adult care facilities, prisons and state mental hospitals and apartment complexes.
The lessons learned from other states and nations will provide the best possible information stream and the Stay-at-Home order appears to be having its desired effect and erring on the side of caution seems to be the best approach.