Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: August 4, 2020

August 4, 2020

Updates from the Governor

This afternoon Governor Walz visited the Central Minnesota Council on Aging to highlight the availability of nearly 400,000 masks for Minnesotans who can’t afford or easily obtain one.

The masks went to 142 community organizations across the state: food banks and food shelves, supportive housing, area agencies on aging, shelters, organizations serving refugees and immigrants, human services organizations, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color organizations across the state of Minnesota. This one-time allotment will allow organizations and providers the ability to distribute masks to those they serve. Last week the Governor also announced that the state would provide nearly 4 million masks to support businesses and their customers as Minnesotans adjust to the statewide mask requirement.

Also today, the Governor visited the Mill Creek Dairy in Stearns County to discuss their conservation practices and other issues facing the agricultural industry.

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.