Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: March 25, 2020

March 25, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 5:00 PM on 3/25/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Tim Walz announced a Stay At Home Executive Order directing Minnesotans to limit movements outside of their homes beyond essential needs from Friday, March 27 at 11:59pm to Friday, April 10 at 5:00pm. By limiting social interactions, we decrease the transmission of COVID-19 and help ensure our health care sector can prepare for increased demands.

“We must take bold action to save the lives of Minnesotans,” said Governor Walz. “Having served as a Command Sergeant Major in the Army National Guard, I know the importance of having a plan. While the virus will still be here when this order ends, this action will slow the spread of COVID-19 and give Minnesota time to ready for battle.”

Modeling released today by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and University of Minnesota predicts that more than 70,000 Minnesotans could die from COVID-19 if we take no action. The Governor’s two-week order to stay home is forecasted to significantly slow the spread of COVID-19 and allow the state to better prepare for the pandemic. These preparations include building hospital capacity, increasing access to life-saving equipment like ventilators, increasing testing, planning for how to care for vulnerable populations, and assessing public health data to determine which community mitigation strategies are most effective.

“We will work with our world-renowned health care sector, cutting-edge manufacturers, innovative business community, and strong-spirited Minnesotans across the state to tackle this virus head on,” Governor Walz continued. “These are trying times. But we are Minnesotans. We see challenges—and we tackle them. No matter how daunting the challenge; no matter how dark the times; Minnesota has always risen up—by coming together. If we unite as One Minnesota, we will save lives.”

What This Means for Minnesotans

Minnesotans may leave their home or residence only to perform any of the following activities, and while doing so, they should practice social distancing:

Health and safety activities, such as obtaining emergency services or medical supplies
Outdoor activities, such as walking pets, hiking, running, biking, hunting, or fishing
Necessary Supplies and Services, such as getting groceries, gasoline, or carry-out
Essential and interstate travel, such as returning to a home from outside this state
Care of others, such as caring for a family member, friend, or pet in another household
Displacement, such as moving between emergency or homeless shelters if you are without a home
Relocation to ensure safety, such as relocating to a different location if your home is unsafe due to domestic violence, sanitation, or essential operations reasons
Tribal activities and lands, such as activities by members within the boundaries of their tribal reservation

Who is Considered an Essential Worker

Workers who work in critical sectors during this time are exempt from the stay at home order. These exemptions are based on federal guidance from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with some Minnesota-specific additions.

To learn more about who is considered a critical worker, please visit the Department of Employment and Economic Development’s website. If you have additional questions, please email CriticalSectors@state.mn.us.

Additional Actions Today

The Governor also announced executive orders extending the closure of bars, restaurants, and other public accommodations until May 1, 2020 at 5:00pm and authorizing the Commissioner of Education to implement a Distance Learning Period for Minnesota’s students beginning on March 30 through May 4, 2020.

Today, MDH announced that there are 25 new cases, for a total of 287 cases in 31 counties. 122 patients have recovered and no longer need to be isolated.

Updates on the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota are available here. Frequently asked questions about the Stay at Home order are available here. [PLEASE NOTE: Due to high volumes, please be patient when accessing state webpages at this time.]

Governor Launches PSA Campaign

Also today, Governor Walz announced a Stay Home MN public service announcement (PSA) campaign. In the PSAs the Governor tells Minnesotans to help flatten the curve of infection by staying home, describes the efforts the state is taking to protect Minnesotans, and directs them to the MDH website for more information.

You can watch the PSAs below.

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 MDH on recommended community mitigation strategies can be found here.

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