Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 16, 2020

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June 16, 2020

Updates from the Governor

The Governor and Lt. Governor today highlighted their Local Jobs and Projects Plan to jumpstart Minnesota’s economy and complete critical infrastructure projects across the state.

They were joined by Red Wing Mayor Sean Dowse, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Superintendent Al Bangoura and members of the building and construction trades to discuss their plan to create immediate, high-quality, and good-paying jobs so Minnesotans can get back to work, and revitalize our housing, water, higher education, and public safety infrastructure across the state so it can serve Minnesotans for generations to come.

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The Governor also signed a bipartisan bill that will support Minnesota’s economic recovery by providing $62.5 million in grants for small businesses impacted by COVID-19, with a focus on Black, Brown, Indigenous, veteran, female, and Greater Minnesota business owners. More information, including grant applications, will be available in the coming weeks at https://mn.gov/deed/

“One of our top priorities during this special legislative session is to build a stronger and more equitable economy, and this direct assistance is an important piece of that plan,” said Governor Walz. “We will continue working with the legislature to ensure Minnesota’s economic recovery lifts up our Black, Brown, Indigenous, veteran, female, and Greater Minnesota business owners, who have been hit hard by this pandemic.”

“This funding will support businesses across Minnesota and will be a critical lifeline for underrepresented entrepreneurs, including women, veterans, people of color, and Indigenous folks, to help communities rebuild. I’m grateful to the Legislature for listening to the needs of communities that are historically under-supported,” said Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. “Minnesotans value our small businesses and our main streets, especially during this difficult time. Our Administration stands with them as they weather this pandemic.”

Everyone can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19

  • Wear masks when in public. 10-50% of virus carriers are asymptomatic wearing masks 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.

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