Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 4, 2020

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May 4, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 8:30 PM on 5/4/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Walz discussed how his administration is engaging with Minnesotans across industries, organizations, and communities to safely get Minnesotans back to work. He remains committed to addressing this pandemic as One Minnesota – together as a state. Through virtual and in-person meetings, letters, emails, and survey responses, the Walz-Flanagan Administration is receiving feedback from leaders in every corner of the state. To learn more about our strategy, and the work we’re doing together, explore our engagement page on the COVID-19 website.

From May 4-8, we are celebrating family child care provider week. In his remarks today, Governor Walz highlighted the thousands of family child care providers stepping up to care for and nurture the children of emergency workers. Child care has remained open during this pandemic, and providers are making every effort to meet public health needs and keep kids and families safe during COVID-19.

Governor Walz also signed an order that will exempt federal, tribal, state, and local COVID-19 relief funds from being automatically intercepted by creditors and debt collectors.

“COVID-19 presents an unprecedented challenge for our state. This Order will help alleviate the financial burden Minnesotans are facing, allowing them to pay rent and put food on the table,” said Governor Walz. “This action will help ensure the COVID-19 support that local, state, tribal, and federal governments provide will go where it is needed most and directly improve Minnesotans’ lives.”

As many Minnesotans experience unemployment and food and housing insecurity due to COVID-19, this Executive Order allows Minnesotans to use COVID-19 assistance for their immediate needs, rather than having the funding automatically intercepted by creditors or debt collectors.

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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