Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 18, 2020

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July 18, 2020

Updates from the Governor

This week, Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan continued to work toward an agreement with the House and Senate on police accountability and reform and passing a strong Local Jobs and Projects bill focused on public safety, water infrastructure, housing and higher education that meets the needs of Minnesotans across the state.

Today, the Governor directed Minnesota flags to fly at half staff to honor Civil Rights leader and Congressman John Lewis. Below is a recap of the Walz-Flanagan administration’s actions this week.

Week in Review

strong>On Monday, July 13 following the advice of public health experts, Governor Walz extended the COVID-19 peacetime emergency that gives the state flexibility in responding to critical issues stemming from COVID-19, including increasing testing, acquiring PPE, and providing economic relief to Minnesota families.

On Tuesday, July 14 at West Broadway Crescent Apartments, the Governor and Lt. Governor announced a $100 million housing assistance program to help prevent evictions, prevent homelessness, and maintain housing stability for individuals and families impacted by COVID-19.

On Wednesday, July 15 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. Applications also opened for funding for child care providers that was announced by Governor Walz last week.

On Thursday, July 16 Governor Walz visited a flood improvement project along Highway 93 in Henderson, Minnesota to highlight the urgent need to pass his Local Jobs and Projects Plan. The Department of Employment and Economic Development reminded Minnesotans that the last week the additional $600 in weekly federal unemployment insurance will be paid is the week ending on July 25. Minnesotans can find additional state and community resources at mn.gov/covid19/gethelp.

On Friday, July 17 the Governor directed all flags at state and federal buildings in Minnesota to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, July 19 to remember, mourn, and honor lives lost due to COVID-19.

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