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The latest numbers from the Minnesota Department of Health show a cumulative 262 confirmed positive cases, 5812 tests completed, 15 cases hospitalized right now, and 88 cases that no longer need to be isolated. There remains 1 death due to COVID-19 in Minnesota.
An update from Governor Walz today highlighted the fact that there are only 243 adult ICU beds available in Minnesota. That is the number that should be in the back of your mind as we all do our best to practice social distancing. Right now, some hospitals are struggling, especially when it comes to the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), but that would pale in comparison to the difficult decisions that would need to be made once ICU beds are no longer available.
Small Business Loans
Yesterday, Governor Walz signed Executive Order 20-15, authorizing the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to establish a Small Business Emergency Loan program for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will make loans between $2,500 and $35,000 available for qualifying small businesses. The loans will be 50% forgivable, and offered at a 0% interest rate. If other financing becomes available to small businesses that received an emergency loan, such as federal funding, the emergency loan must be repaid.
These emergency loans will be made available by an existing network of lenders DEED works with across the state. Depending on the size of the loans offered to businesses, DEED estimates this emergency loan program will provide needed resources to between 1,200 and 5,000 businesses. DEED expects loan applications will be available later this week through their lender network. Minnesota small businesses should send questions about this emergency loan program to ELP@state.mn.us.
The Shakopee Podcast
For the latest episode of the Shakopee Podcast, Rep. Tabke sat down the Dr. Monte Johnson, the Vice President of Medical Affairs at St. Francis Regional Medical Center. They discuss the virus, flattening the curve, and the medical resources available for Shakopee and the surrounding communities. You can listen on Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts.
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