TWIN CITIES, MN — As of Friday, March 13, the Minnesota Department of Health has confirmed 14 cases of the new coronavirus, known as COVID-19, in the state. The counties with cases now include Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Olmsted, Ramsey, Stearns, and Wright.

A total of 555 people have been tested for the disease in Minnesota. Here are the latest developments as the state works to control the spread of COVID-19:

State of Emergency Gov. Tim Walz Friday issued Executive Order 20-01, declaring a peacetime emergency in Minnesota over the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19. "The safety and well-being of Minnesotans is my top priority and we are working around the clock to combat the spread of COVID-19," said Walz in a statement

"I am declaring a peacetime emergency in Minnesota to ensure the State is able respond to more rapidly to issues as they arrive. We're looking to the future and preparing for the next chapters of this pandemic as it continues to evolve."

Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in Minnesota. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.



New strategies announced

The Minnesota Department of Health Friday announced a series of community-level strategiesrecommended to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota communities. Event organizers have been called on to cancel or postpone gatherings with 250 or more people.

