Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: June 22, 2020

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June 22, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Over the weekend, state and local health officials offered free COVID-19 testing in Austin. Responding to an increase in COVID-19 cases in Mower County, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) partnered with Mower County officials to offer community testing to anyone who wanted to be tested. Governor Walz and MDH continue to encourage all Minnesotans to get tested for the virus if they have symptoms. Below is a list of additional resources available to help Minnesotans through the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19.

Testing: Minnesotans with COVID-19 symptoms are always encouraged to get a test. Find a testing location in your community.

Safety at Home: Stay At Home should never mean you stay somewhere unsafe. There are places of sanctuary open for anyone facing abuse or violence. Please call Minnesota’s statewide crisis hotline – available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – at 1.866.223.1111 or text 612.399.9995.

Unemployment Support: Minnesota is one of the first states in the nation to implement both the $600 per week additional compensation and the 13 week extension of benefits available under the CARES Act. Find these and answers to other unemployment questions here.

Mental Health: If you’re worried about a loved one, or if you want someone to talk to, know you can reach out. We have a website with mental health resources. You’re not alone in this challenge.

Child Care: We understand that the COVID-19 has disrupted child care plans for many families. The child care landscape has been greatly impacted by this pandemic. Find resources and information for child care providers and families here.

Housing: We created this webpage to provide a centralized location for all Minnesota Housing updates and information related to COVID-19.

Emergency food support: Due to COVID-19 pandemic, many Minnesota families face difficult times. It may be hard to pay bills and find food to stay healthy. If you or someone you know has been laid off from work or seen work hours cut, help may be available. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help you buy food while budgets are tight.

You can find links to these resources and additional help for employers and employees, volunteer opportunities, and information about donating personal protective equipment our COVID-19 website. Resources and information for individuals and families on staying safe while Minnesota slowly re-opens society are available here.

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