Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 21, 2020

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July 21, 2020

Updates from the Governor

George Floyd’s death brought the urgent need for meaningful police reform into sharp focus for Minnesotans across the state. And last night, the Legislature passed bipartisan police accountability and reform measures.

Governor Walz looks forward to signing the long-overdue reforms that will strengthen transparency and community oversight of policing, ban chokeholds and ‘warrior training,’ expand autism awareness and mental health de-escalation training for officers, and change the circumstances under which officers can use deadly force.

Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan thank communities of color and the People of Color and Indigenous Caucus, who have led this conversation and fought tirelessly for change. This bill does not end the Governor and Lt. Governor’s commitment to people, families and communities impacted by police violence, and they will continue working closely with those most affected to achieve meaningful change.

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Long-Term Care Update

Also today, Governor Walz announced that Minnesota continues to make progress on the five-point battle plan announced in May to limit and stop the spread of COVID-19 in long-term care facilities. Deaths have sharply declined from past weeks and data shows that efforts to identify and contain the spread of COVID-19 in various congregate care settings have been successful. But there’s still more work to do. In partnership with congregate care settings, the Governor and Lt. Governor will continue to take action to protect our most vulnerable Minnesotans as this pandemic develops.

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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