Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 11, 2020

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July 11, 2020

Updates from the Governor

This week, Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan visited child care centers, a food bank, and a cultural mall to hear from communities impacted by COVID-19 and highlight resources available to help. Below is a recap of their actions this week.

Week in Review

On Monday, July 6 To bring consistency and safety to traffic stops, the Department of Public Safety announced they have updated the Minnesota Driver’s Manual to include information on what drivers and law enforcement should expect during a traffic stop, particularly when a driver has a firearm. View the new language starting on page 40 of the Minnesota Driver’s Manual.

On Tuesday, July 7 Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan visited child care centers to announce $56.6 million to help support Minnesota child care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Families seeking care can call the Child Care Aware parent line at 1.888.291.9811 or visit mn.gov/childcare for a map of open providers.

On Wednesday, July 8 Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan visited the Department of Indian Work food shelf to announce $12 million to combat hunger in Minnesotan amid COVID-19. This funding will support approximately 300 food shelves and all seven food banks across Minnesota. Information about food assistance resources is available on the state’s food emergency webpage.

On Thursday, July 9 The Governor and Lt. Governor visited the Village Market in Minneapolis to highlight a $2.5 million program to support cultural malls impacted by COVID-19 and encourage operators to apply for funding assistance.

On Friday, July 10 The Governor announced that he will convene a special legislative session beginning on Monday. The Governor continues to push for legislation on police reform and accountability and has asked the Legislature to join his effort to build a stronger, more equitable economy by passing a robust Local Jobs and Projects bill. The Minnesota Department of Health also released new guidance for long-term care facilities, which will allow family members, outside caregivers, friends, or volunteers to serve as essential caregivers for residents.

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.

Resources