Gov. TIm Walz’s COVID-19 Update: March 28, 2020

March 28, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 12:30 PM on 3/28/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Governor Walz today signed a comprehensive COVID-19 package allocating $330 million in aid for Minnesota’s response, which will help our state care for our most vulnerable in the face of an unprecedented crisis. The legislature passed the bill with broad bipartisan support on March 26.

“The swift, bipartisan passage of this bill is One Minnesota in action,” said Governor Walz. “Legislators put aside politics to fight the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of Minnesotans. We’re only in the early stages of Minnesota’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic – but this law will help ensure we have the right supports in place to prepare for what’s to come.”

HF 4531 includes the following actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, among many other policy proposals that will help Minnesotans:

Establishes the COVID-19 Minnesota Fund to support further action
Creates peacetime emergency child care grants
Provides COVID-19 assistance for veterans
Supports food shelves and food banks
Expands resources for emergency services and homeless shelters
Expands support available to small businesses
Extends disaster assistance for farmers to include losses due to COVID-19

Stay At Home Order

Today marks the first day of Minnesota’s Stay At Home Order. Below are shareable graphics that help explain what’s open and what’s closed, who is considered an essential worker, and allowable activities. If you still have questions, explore Governor Walz’s new COVID-19 website for resources and answers to frequently asked questions.

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 seven days after your illness onset or three days after your fever resolves without fever reducing medicine, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Up-to-date guidance from MDH on recommended community mitigation strategies can be found here.