| Derek Montgomery for MPR News file
Oct. 27, 2020 As COVID-19 spreads, large family gatherings a 'really bad idea this year' | |
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Good morning. Expect a mostly sunny day, especially in the morning, then a few afternoon clouds with highs in the mid-30s. Check out Updraft for more weather coverage.
Gov. Tim Walz and his public health officers are painting an increasingly worrisome picture of a COVID-19 outbreak now driven more by people letting their guard down at family gatherings and celebrations, sporting events and informal meetups rather than at stores, restaurants and bars.
State officials made that clear on Monday as they ticked off a list of fresh data showing the pandemic continuing to move swiftly in the wrong direction across Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.
Given the current high levels of community spread in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest, get-togethers of “large extended families, multiple families from around the region, that absolutely would be a really, really bad idea this year,” said Kris Ehresmann, the state’s infectious disease director.
Here are Minnesota’s current COVID-19 statistics:2,353 deaths (4 new)135,372 positive cases (1,578 new), 120,421 off isolation 2,710,177 tests, 1,783,933 people tested6.6 percent seven-day positive test rateVoting in the 2020 election ends soon, but the counting phase could stretch on a bit longer. Ongoing litigation will determine just how long.
Because of a court decree, properly cast ballots that are in the mail by Election Day will count if they’re received by Nov. 10. That grace period is being contested, with the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals expected to weigh in this week. MPR News reporter Brian Bakst has more.
What does it mean to be a Christian and navigate disinformation in the digital age? MPR News reporter Catharine Richert brings us this story about a Minneapolis church that has been exploring this question in a pivotal election year, when falsehoods and conspiracy theories have dominated the political discourse and divided friends and family.
Misinformation and disinformation, especially online, continue to play a huge role in the 2020 election. Learn more about the types of false information you’re likely to come across this year — and how you can help fight it.
~ Matt Mikus, MPR News (@mikusmatt)
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