July 15, 2020
Updates from the Governor
The Minnesota Department of Health continues to encourage Minnesotans to get tested for COVID-19if they feel sick – it’s one of the best tools we have to help contain the spread of the virus. And it’s important that testing is accessible to Minnesotans with and without insurance. Today, the Minnesota Department of Human Services announced a new health care option that will cover testing for individuals who do not have insurance. Information can be found on their website here. The site also has information about programs to help Minnesotans having a hard time paying their health care bills during the pandemic.
Child Care Support
Starting today, Minnesota child care providers can apply for funding announced by Governor Walz last week. Approximately 7,000 Minnesota child care providers will be eligible for $56.6 million in funds to help ensure children’s and staff’s health and safety in their child care settings during COVID-19. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 23.
Food Security
Finally, families across the state are facing increased food insecurity. Food benefits are available to 3 and 4 year olds in school district-run pre-K programs. Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) is a temporary food benefit available to Minnesota families with children who would have received free or reduced-price meals if schools were open. Families with eligible children can now receive a one-time payment on a new or existing EBT card to help fill the gap created by a loss of school meals. Minnesotans must apply by July 31.
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
- Visit mn.gov/covid19 to learn more about Minnesota’s COVID-19 Response and Preparation
- Find a testing location in your community
- CDC Situation Updates
- Apply for Unemployment Insurance
- Minnesota Department of Health Updates
- About COVID-19