Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: April 16, 2020

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April 16, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 5:00 PM on 4/16/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Tim Walz joined the governors of Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky in announcing that they will work in close coordination to reopen the economy in the Midwest.

“Here in the Midwest, we are bound by our commitment to our people and the community. We recognize that our economies are all reliant on each other, and we must work together to safely reopen them so hardworking people can get back to work and businesses can get back on their feet,” the governors said.

Governor Walz’s number one priority has been, and will remain, the health and safety of Minnesotans. As we look to reopen Minnesota’s economy, we will make decisions based on facts, science, and recommendations from experts in health care, business, labor, and education.

The governors will examine at least these four factors when determining when best to reopen our economy:

  • Sustained control of the rate of new infections and hospitalizations.
  • Enhanced ability to test and trace.
  • Sufficient health care capacity to handle resurgence.
  • And best practices for social distancing in the workplace.

Phasing in sectors of our economy will be most effective when we work together as a region. This doesn’t mean our economy will reopen all at once, or that every state will take the same steps at the same time. But close coordination will ensure we get this right. Over time, people will go back to work, restaurants will reopen, and things will go back to normal.

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Federal CARES Act

In case you missed it, Governor Walz announced yesterday that Minnesota received more than $1 billion from the Coronavirus Relief Fund, appropriated through the federal CARES Act. This critical federal funding will help support Minnesota’s state and local governments as we continue our efforts to combat the spread of the virus in our state. Minnesota is expected to receive a total of $2.187 billion through the Coronavirus Relief Fund, with a portion of that allocation directed to local governments.

New Profile Picture Frame

Help us spread the word and slow the spread of COVID-19. You can change your Facebook profile picture to encourage Minnesotans to join our #StayHomeMN campaign by clicking here.

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Everyone can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19

  • 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.
  • Stay home if you have cold- or flu-like symptoms, for seven days after your illness onset or three days after your fever resolves without fever reducing medicine, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Up-to-date guidance from the Department of Health on recommended community mitigation strategies can be found here.

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