Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 25, 2020

July 25, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Beginning today, Minnesotans are required to wear masks in indoor businesses and public spaces to slow the spread of COVID-19. Read FAQs on the mask requirement, which public health experts have advocated for, calling it a simple and effective step to keep Minnesotans safe. Below is an overview of the Walz-Flanagan Administration’s actions this week.

Week in Review

On Monday, July 20 the Department of Employment and Economic Development continued an ongoing effort to keep Minnesotans informed about state resources available for support, especially as families prepare for the potential expiration of the additional $600 federal Unemployment Insurance benefit. Minnesotans who need additional state and community services and resources should visit mn.gov/covid19/gethelp.

On Tuesday, July 21 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.

On Wednesday, July 22 Governor Walz announced that Minnesotans will be required to wear a face covering in indoor businesses and indoor public settings. To date, 30 states across the country, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico have issued similar mandates. The Department of Employment and Economic Development and the Minnesota Department of Health will be working together to distribute masks to underserved communities and businesses across the state.

On Thursday, July 23 Governor Walz signed the Minnesota Police Accountability Act, authored by members of the People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus, which will begin to address systemic inequities in Minnesota’s criminal justice system.

On Friday, July 24 the Department of Employment and Economic Development announced they have distributed small business emergency loans to 1,020 small businesses throughout Minnesota, helping them to survive the initial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Walz also announced the authorization of emergency assistance for five Minnesota counties that sustained extensive damage during spring flooding this year.

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.