Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 29, 2020

July 29, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Today at Liberty Packaging, Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan highlighted the state’s distribution of more than 4 million masks to businesses, their customers, and people who are unable to afford a mask or easily obtain one. The masks are being distributed to Chambers of Commerce, community organizations, and other providers across the state, who are then responsible for distributing to people.

The one-time allotment of masks includes 4 million disposable masks for businesses and more than 300,000 cloth masks for at-risk communities that will go to will go to community organizations, food banks, area agencies on aging, and affordable housing providers.

Also today, the Governor and Lt. Governor announced a plan for $25.8 million in federal CARES Act funding to help contain the spread of COVID-19 and its effects among vulnerable populations. The funding comes in response to the increased need for safe housing by people experiencing homelessness, victims of domestic violence or exploitation and human trafficking, elderly Minnesotans, and others at increased risk of COVID-19.“This proposal will provide much-needed funding to programs aimed at helping at-risk Minnesotans, like our elderly and those who cannot safely isolate at home,” said Governor Walz. “We are committed to doing all we can to help contain the spread of COVID-19, especially among our most vulnerable citizens.”“The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and exacerbated the crises that have been impacting low-income and vulnerable Minnesotans for far too long,” said Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. “This funding is critical to support Minnesotans experiencing homelessness, victims of domestic violence or human trafficking, elderly Minnesotans, and other at-risk individuals having a safe place to stay and access to the services they need, including culturally-specific services, during this public health crisis.”Everyone can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19

Wear masks when in public. 10-50% of virus carriers are asymptomatic. Wearing a mask 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.