Full COVID-19 Coverage

State officials said the emergency loans will help any business in Minnesota that has been shut down. While officials asked the public to be patient as they expect to process an influx of requests, they said checks are expected to start being sent out this week. You can find more information on the program here.

Officials also noted that unemployment insurance applications continue to rise, with more than 123,000 already submitted in the state as of Monday afternoon.

Walz said he's taking a "hard look" at a shelter-in-place order, which a few states have already done. However, as of Monday, Walz said he wasn't ready to go to those lengths.

COVID-19 cases total 235 in Minnesota with 66 new cases

The governor added that it's likely closings for schools and businesses, such as bars and restaurants that have already been ordered to close, will be extended past March 27th. As with shelter-in-place, Walz said he's not yet considering closing schools for the rest of the year but as the situation evolves that may become necessary.

Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan also announced a revised supplemental budget on Monday, calling for an additional $356 million to be put toward the state's COVID-19 response.

Their earlier proposal recommended paying back $491 million to the budget reserve in preparation for the emergency. The revised proposal would leave $811 million in reserve.