Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: April 23, 2020

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April 23, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 4:00 PM on 4/23/2020.

Updates from the Governor

A day after announcing a statewide strategy for COVID-19 testing, Governor Tim Walz today outlined next steps for Minnesota’s response to the pandemic. The Governor extended distance learning through the end of the school year and announced a plan for up to 100,000 workers to safely return to their jobs.

Governor Walz announced that distance learning will continue through the rest of the 2019-2020 school calendar year, explaining how the state will continue to pursue opportunities to expand technology for students, provide guidance for educators on how to best connect with students, and support families.

“As a former teacher, this is a heartbreaking decision,” Governor Walz said. “I am sorry for all of our students who will miss out on graduations, tournaments, and end of year celebrations. While I recognize distance learning is a challenge for many families, it is critical to social distancing in Minnesota and supports the health of Minnesota’s families. We will continue looking for ways to improve the current system and better support our children.”

Governor Walz emphasized that the Stay Home order remains in effect as he laid out his approach for gradually loosening restrictions on Minnesota businesses over time. Developed in partnership with hundreds of businesses, labor and worker organizations, and public health experts, this action will allow 80,000-100,000 Minnesotans to return to work in industrial, manufacturing, and office settings on Monday, April 27.

Prior to loosening restrictions for a given setting, businesses must:

  • Create, share, and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan that sets out the actions they are taking to ensure social distancing, worker hygiene, and facility cleaning and disinfection necessary to keep workers safe
  • Engage in health screening of employees and ensure that sick employees stay home
  • Continue to work from home whenever possible

Visit mn.gov/deed/safework for more information.

The Governor also introduced a visual tool to demonstrate how the state is making decisions on restrictions on workplace settings, social settings, and school settings.

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National Volunteer Week

April 19-25 is National Volunteer Week. The Governor and Lt. Governor encourage Minnesotans to participate in their homemade mask drive by making homemade masks for donation to congregate care facilities. On Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Minnesotans can deliver homemade masks to their local fire department. Fire departments will then deliver the masks to local congregate living facilities for their employees and residents to wear. Find other ways you can make a difference in your community 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 and three days after your fever resolves without fever reducing medicine (whichever is longer), 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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