Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: March 26, 2020

March 26, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 5:30 PM on 3/26/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Governor Tim Walz today joined leaders from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Department of Employment and Economic Development, Department of Education, and the State Emergency Operations Center to answer questions from the press on the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Governor shared details on his package of bipartisan COVID-19 proposals, which he worked on with the Legislature to ensure Minnesotans have the support and the right resources to combat the pandemic. The legislation:

Creates a Minnesota COVID-19 Emergency Fund to keep our state operating
Helps businesses across the state secure private funding
Awards grants to licensed family and center-based child care providers who care for the children of health care and other emergency workers
Ensures continued funding for food systems
And provides needed help to local governments, tribal governments, and nonprofit partners protect people experiencing homelessness from exposure to the coronavirus and to mitigate additional spread of the disease.

The Governor also announced efforts coming out of his Children’s Cabinet to drive resources to child care providers, who are critical for our state’s emergency response. Today, six Minnesota Initiative Foundations launched an Emergency Child Care Grant Program to provide financial support to licensed child care providers in Greater Minnesota, serving families needed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. They join Think Small, who stepped up last week to issue grants to family child care programs in the metro area serving families of emergency workers.

“As our Administration responds to COVID-19, child care is critical to supporting our workforce and making sure kids have a safe place to be,” said Governor Tim Walz. “While we work with our legislative partners to provide support needed, we must take immediate action to bridge child care providers relief. That’s why I’m proud of this partnership that recognizes how safe and stable child care is essential to keeping Minnesotans safe and healthy.”

As reports of discrimination rise, Governor Walz also made clear that Minnesotans across the state will not tolerate discrimination, racism, or disrespect of our Asian-American neighbors now or at any time. If any Minnesotans becomes a victim of a hate crime because of fear around COVID-19, they should contact law enforcement.

If anyone experiences discrimination in their job, housing, or in public place due to COVID-19, they should contact the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. The Governor’s staff, along with the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Human Rights, and the Attorney General’s Office are working with community leaders to hear concerns and identify strategies to address discrimination.

Additional Actions Today

Today, MDH announced there are 59 new cases, for a total of 346 cases in 37 counties. 134 patients have recovered and no longer need to be isolated.Additionally, the Governor walked through details and questions on his Stay At Home Executive Order, which directs 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.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.]Below are shareable informational graphics to help answer FAQs.

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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