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

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June 18, 2020

Updates from the Governor
Today, the Governor and Lt. Governor were joined by public safety officials and legislative leaders in pushing for police accountability and reform in advance of a debate on the House floor today. Last year, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Harrington and Attorney General Ellison convened a Police-Involved Deadly Force Encounters Working Group. After months of deliberation, they came forward with common sense, comprehensive proposals on police reform. Those months of hard conversations and research informed many of the bills that legislators are proposing today.

The People of Color and Indigenous Caucus has compiled many of those recommendations into a comprehensive package of proposals. The House has held numerous committee hearings, beginning with a 7-hour Public Safety hearing last Saturday. They are doing the work the community has asked for. And today, they are advancing these proposals in the House.

The Governor also ordered flags to fly at half staff on Friday, June 19. He has directed flags to fly at half staff on the 19th of each month through 2020 to honor, mourn and remember the victims of COVID-19 and their families.

The Department of Health (MDH) has developed guidance that can give long-term care residents and their families connection with their loved ones once again. MDH released guidance for window visits earlier this week. The guidance is effective immediately, and they strongly encourage long-term care facilities to implement it.

For more guidance, recommendations, and resources, visit Long-term Care: 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.

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