Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 7:00 PM on 5/17/2020.
Updates from the Governor
Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan remain committed to protecting Minnesotans’ health and safety through this unprecedented public health crisis. Below is a recap of the previous week, which included announcing the next phase of our response to this pandemic, Stay Safe MN, which takes effect tomorrow, Monday, May 18.
Week in Review
On Monday, May 11 Governor Walz signed an Executive Order allowing students in critical care sectors to attend classes for needed in-person training or testing in order to graduate. The Executive Order will fill workforce shortages by accelerating entry into critical sectors for up to 1,000 students that will serve Minnesota’s most vulnerable populations. Department of Health officials also highlighted the importance of Minnesotans’ participation in case investigations to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
On Tuesday, May 12 Governor Walz signed into law an extension of the Minnesota fund dedicated to our COVID-19 response, which was set to expire on May 11. The Governor also signed into law The Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act, which requires drug makers to provide a detailed rationale to the state for any large price increases on drugs; a law to improve voting accessibility, modernize election security, and secure the health and safety of election officials and voters; and a ban on harmful child marriages.
On Wednesday, May 13 Governor Walz announced the next phase of the COVID-19 response in Minnesota. Citing progress made to prepare for the peak of infection, the Governor announced a measured, cautious turning of the dial toward a new normal. The Governor also signed Executive Orders to protect Minnesotans most at risk from the virus and safeguard workers.
On Thursday, May 14 Governor Walz signed an Executive Order directing the Commissioner of Education to provide a safe and effective summer learning environment for Minnesota’s students.
On Friday, May 15 Governor Walz announced the appointment of Judge Gordon Moore to the Minnesota Supreme Court. The Governor also signed Executive Orders allowing the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to hold remote meetings as necessary and extending provisions which exempted vehicles and drivers transporting essential goods from certain regulations, including limits on weight and hours of service.
On Saturday, May 16 Governor Walz signed 11 bills into law, including measures to raise the age to purchase tobacco to 21 and make Minnesota the first state to prohibit the use of the toxic and long-lasting chemical trichloroethylene (TCE).
Everyone can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19
- 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.
- Stay home if you have cold- or flu-like symptoms, for 10 days after your illness onset and three days after your fever resolves without fever reducing medicine (whichever is longer), and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Up-to-date guidance from the Department of Health on recommended community mitigation strategies can be found here.
Resources
- CDC Situation Updates
- mn.gov/covid19/
- Apply for Unemployment Insurance
- Minnesota Department of Health Updates
- About COVID-19