Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 30, 2020

May 30, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan joined community leaders from across the Twin Cities to ask Minnesotans to stay home after 8pm tonight as we work to restore peace and order across Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

As the Governor said, we need to take a hard look at the virus that has permeated our state for hundreds of years: racism. The sickening image of Officer Chauvin with his knee on George’s neck has rightfully ignited national outrage. The perpetrators of this crime must be held accountable. But that’s only a first step.

The Governor knows there must be systemic change to address inequities stemming from generations of institutionalized racism. As we remember George Floyd, there have been peaceful gathering across the Twin Cities. But there are people, many from outside Minnesota, looking to undermine this important movement by inciting chaos and violence.

The events that have unfolded on our streets over the last 24 hours do not represent the justice we seek for communities of color in Minnesota. Those responsible for this unrest are not our neighbors. They are not who we are. They have not worked for years, for generations, to build this state and enrich our communities. Those instigators of violence want nothing more than to see a community paralyzed. They have descended on our community to—quite literally—burn it to the ground.

To protect Minnesotans, our properties, and restore order, the Walz-Flanagan Administration renewed the call today for all Minnesotans to comply with the 8pm curfew.

“At 8pm tonight, it is time to separate out the people who are protesting peacefully in pursuit of justice from those who wish to undermine this movement through chaos and violence,” Governor Walz said. “I urge all Minnesotans to respect the curfew in the Twin Cities as we take necessary action to protect the safety of our communities.”

Today, the Governor also signed an Executive Order to authorize the Commissioner of Public Safety to request firefighting, police, and health assistance from cities throughout Minnesota and peace officer assistance from adjoining states. Minneapolis and Saint Paul have already received offers of assistance from cities in Minnesota.

As the Governor said: There is work to do. Our work today is to go home tonight. Stay off the streets. Use this as a moment to redefine who we are. We are not perfect. But we stand together with our shared values: decency, inclusion, and that everyone deserves equal opportunity.

You can follow the Governor on Twitter and Facebook for further updates.

Everyone can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19

Wear masks when in public. 10-50% of virus carriers are asymptomatic wearing masks helps control the virus and has been shown to lower COVID-19 spread.
Avoid enclosed spaces with groups of people, where the virus can linger in the air for long periods of time.
Get tested if you have cold or flu-like symptoms – Find testing locations.
Stay six feet away from others.
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.
Up-to-date guidance is available from the Department of Health.