Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 15, 2020

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May 15, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 7:15 PM on 5/15/2020.

The Governor and Lt. Governor continue to work to protect Minnesotans’ health, safety, and well-being during this unprecedented time.

Today, the Governor announced the appointment of Judge Gordon Moore to the Minnesota Supreme Court. Judge Moore currently serves the Fifth District Court in Nobles County. Prior to that, he served as the Nobles County Attorney, an assistant city attorney for Worthington, and a special assistant and assistant attorney general under Attorney General Hubert “Skip” Humphrey III.

In addition to this extensive legal work, Judge Moore has served as a community leader for many years. His tireless work on the local school board, fighting for much needed funds to ensure a strong public education for students in Worthington, demonstrated his commitment to the values of One Minnesota.

Also today, Governor Walz signed an Executive Order allowing the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to hold remote meetings as necessary. The PUC ensures Minnesotans continue to receive safe, reliable, and affordable energy and telecommunications services. This Order will allow the public to provide input on potential PUC projects remotely, in order to protect public health.

The Governor also signed an Executive Order extending previsions in a previous Order, which exempted vehicles and drivers transporting essential goods from certain regulations, including limits on weight and hours of service. This relief helps ensure the continued free flow of critical relief supplies and other essential goods during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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 10 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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