Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: April 17, 2020

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April 17, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 7:30 PM on 4/17/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Walz announced the formation of a Community Resiliency and Recovery Work Group. The group will ensure that the needs of Minnesotans from communities that have historically been more likely to suffer financially and physically from public health crises will be centered in the state’s policy making, communications, and outreach. As part of this work, the Governor announced a new page on the COVID-19 website that displays how the pandemic is affecting people of color, Indigenous people, immigrants and refugees in Minnesota.

Outdoor Recreation

Also today, the Governor signed an executive order expanding allowable outdoor recreational activities, so Minnesotans can enjoy the outdoors close to home while following social distancing guidelines.

Executive Order 20-38 allows Minnesotans to engage in a range of activities, including boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, and golfing as long as they follow new outdoor recreation guidelines. These guidelines include:

  • Maintaining 6-foot social distancing
  • Avoiding crowded areas, and
  • Staying close to home

It’s important to stay active while preventing the spread of COVID-19. This measure will allow Minnesotans to take advantage of more opportunities to get outside, while still doing their part to keep their neighbors healthy.

Mental Health

Today, the Governor announced a mental health page to provide more resources for folks who may need help. This is a difficult time for all of us – we are isolated from people we love, our schedules are disrupted, and we may feel alone. Mental health providers are open. They are taking visits through telehealth.

For essential personnel like health care workers and first responders, the Minnesota Psychiatric Society, the Minnesota Psychological Association, the Minnesota Black Psychologists, and Mental Health Minnesota have collaborated to create a free telephone support service accessible at FastTrackerMN.org with psychiatric and mental health services and real-time Substance Use Disorder Treatment program openings. Additional resources:

  • Text MN to 741 741 at any point and someone will be in touch with you.
  • Or call **CRISIS

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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