August 27, 2020
Updates from the Governor
With our communities still reeling from the destruction following the senseless death of George Floyd, Minnesota is once again at the epicenter of violence and devastation to our communities.
Amid unrest in Minneapolis, Governor Tim Walz has declared a Peacetime Emergency in the City of Minneapolis and mobilized the Minnesota National Guard. Pledging full state support, the Governor has also directed Minnesota State Patrol troopers to provide support to mitigate unrest and maintain peace.
Tonight, there will be approximately 400 National Guard soldiers on the ground. The National Guard has been fully engaged with the Department of Public Safety and is fully prepared to surge as many forces as are required. The State Patrol is also activated for their missions. There will be approximately 250 state troopers on the ground, ready to serve.
Lastly, there is a curfew in place tonight starting at 8 p.m. for Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Governor Walz urges Minnesotans to stay home and stay safe.
Everyone can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19
- Wear masks when in public. 10-50% of virus carriers are asymptomatic. Wearing a mask helps control the virus and has been shown to lower COVID-19 spread.
- Avoid enclosed spaces with groups of people, where the virus can linger in the air for long periods of time.
- Get tested if you have cold or flu-like symptoms – Find testing locations.
- Stay six feet away from others.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or sleeve, or a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands afterwards.
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom or before eating. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose and mouth – with unwashed hands.
- Up-to-date guidance is available from the Department of Health.
Resources
- Visit mn.gov/covid19 to learn more about Minnesota’s COVID-19 Response and Preparation
- Find a testing location in your community
- CDC Situation Updates
- Apply for Unemployment Insurance
- Minnesota Department of Health Updates
- About COVID-19