Governor Walz Outlines COVID-19 Economic Relief Package
On Tuesday, Governor Walz announced a COVID-19 economic relief package to keep businesses afloat, support workers struggling to get by, and help Minnesota families keep food on the table. Governor Walz will work with legislators on both sides of the aisle to move forward this much-needed proposal, integrate additional proposals, and call a special session when an agreement is final.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Governor Walz has invested $100 million dollars to support more than 8,000 Minnesota businesses. The state has also given nearly $840 million in support to local governments, much of which has been distributed to small businesses across the state. Also last week, the Governor wrote a letter urging House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to act quickly to provide assistance for workers, families, businesses, and states.
COVID-19 Exposure Notification Mobile App Now Available in Minnesota
Also this week, Governor Walz announced the availability of a new COVID-19 exposure notification mobile application, COVIDaware MN, which could slow the spread of COVID-19 by helping Minnesotans protect themselves and their loved ones. The voluntary, anonymous application will alert a user if another user with whom they have had close contact during the virus’ infectious period tests positive for COVID-19.
When Minnesotans download the app and allow notifications, COVIDaware MN generates a random, privacy-protecting key for a user’s phone. The app does not track individuals’ locations or their positions relative to one another. Using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, the user’s phone and the phones of other users they are near anonymously exchange these privacy-protected keys. If a person receives a positive test, the Department of Health will provide a unique code the person may enter into the app, if they choose. If they enter the code, users with whom they’ve been within six feet for 15 or more minutes over a 24 hour period in the past 14 days will receive a notification of an exposure. COVIDaware MN will exchange random keys with anyone who downloads COVIDaware MN or similar applications developed by other states that use the same technology framework.
Governor Walz to Highlight Efforts to Combat Hunger in Minnesota Amid COVID-19
Wednesday at Second Harvest Heartland, Governor Walz highlighted efforts by the state and local relief organizations to combat the hunger crisis in Minnesota amid COVID-19.
The needs of Minnesota families have continued to grow during the pandemic. That’s why Governor Walz has directed a total of $75 million in federal coronavirus relief aid toward food security. This necessary funding will help meet the increased food needs across the state, ensuring that children and families, seniors, people experiencing homelessness, Native communities, communities of color, and all Minnesotans in need of relief can put food on the table.
State updates COVID-19 testing recommendations for dial-back period
As Minnesota starts a new dial-back period to slow the state’s alarming rate of COVID-19 transmission and prevent the health care system from being overwhelmed, Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) officials are issuing updated testing recommendations on who needs to be tested, when to be tested, and which option may be best.
Who should get tested during Dial Back, Minnesota
- Anyone with symptoms should seek out testing immediately.
- Anyone who was exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 should get tested.
- Anyone who is still working at places that remain open during Dial Back, Minnesota should get tested. This includes critical infrastructure, first responders, health care, retail, child care, etc.
Minnesotans now have several accessible choices available to them, including 20 longer-term community testing sites offering nasal and saliva testing, a mail-order program, and clinics and hospitals across the state.
- Governor Walz outlines a package of relief for Minnesota bars, restaurants, and gyms (WCCO Radio)
- Walz unveils mobile app to notify Minnesotans of COVID-19 exposure (KMSP)
- Minnesota’s COVID app: How to get it, how it works. (And what about Big Brother?) (Pioneer Press)
- ‘We are changing those systems for the better’: Peggy Flanagan, lieutenant governor, reflects on what it means to be an Indigenous Minnesotan right now (The Bemidji Pioneer)