Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: August 13, 2020

August 13, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Walz announced that Minnesota has been recognized by the National Governors Association and Results for America for its use of evidence and data to improve results for Minnesotans. 

Results for America, a national nonprofit focused on helping government leaders improve results by investing in what works, released the 2020 Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence, which showcases 169 examples of data-driven and evidence-based practices, policies, programs, and systems in 35 states across the country. Minnesota was recognized as a Leading State.

“As we face a global pandemic, it has never been more important to ground our public policies in evidence and invest in proven public programs,” said Governor Walz. “We are pleased to see our commitment to data-driven policies reflected in our recognition as a leading state in Results for America’s 2020 State Standard of Excellence.” 

Minnesota has become a national leader when it comes to using data to improve services, programs, and outcomes for its residents. In 2020, the state’s data-driven culture allowed the state to swiftly respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Minnesota employed its data infrastructure to create a comprehensive COVID-19 data dashboard to track health and economic data. This dashboard contained information about the state’s response capacity as well as a race/ethnicity data dashboard to identify communities that are disproportionately impacted, in particular communities of color. Prior to the state’s COVID-19 response, Minnesota leveraged evidence to inform funding decisions resulting in $87 million in new or expanded evidence-based programming in the 2020–2021 budget.

For more information about how states are building data and evidence capacity, state leaders can refer to Results for America’s Blueprint for Delivering Results in State Government, which serves as an implementation guide for the State Standard of Excellence.

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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