Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 8:30 PM on 5/4/2020.
Today, Governor Tim Walz and the State of Minnesota’s Chief Financial Officer Myron Frans announced a projected $2.4 billion deficit through 2021. Governor Walz released the following response:
“Today’s budget outlook confirms what we suspected: COVID-19 will badly damage Minnesota’s economy.”
“As I said during my State of the State address, there is a long winter ahead. COVID-19 is upending life as we know it—and our economy will not be spared.”
“This will mean shared sacrifice among all of us. Hard decisions will be made.”
“But thanks to smart budgeting, Minnesota is in a much better position than other states to weather the storm. We must not undercut what got us there: Investing in our children. Expanding access to health care. Putting Minnesotans first.”
“These last few weeks have been difficult, and it’s only going to get harder.”
“It is more important than ever that we lead with our values and protect Minnesota’s quality of life.”
“Minnesotans will look out for one another. We will help each other back on our feet. We will get through this winter—together—and we will see spring.”
Also today, Governor Walz signed an Executive Order that will provide a roadmap for safely restarting elective surgeries. Starting next week, doctors, dentists, and veterinarians who create a plan to keep patients and healthcare professionals safe may begin offering these procedures, which can treat chronic conditions, prevent and cure disease, and relieve chronic pain.
his action will allow hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and clinics – whether veterinary, medical, or dental – to resume many currently-delayed procedures once facilities have developed criteria for determining which procedures should proceed during the COVID-19 pandemic and provided a plan to maintain a safe environment for facility staff, patients, and visitors.
Finally, we celebrated Teacher Appreciation Day today, which couldn’t be more important this year. Teachers have always been selfless public servants who put everything on the line for their students, but this year they have truly gone above and beyond. They are leaders in our communities, helping our students and their families try to find some normalcy during these challenging times. And during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-8), we encourage Minnesotans to take some time to appreciate all that our teachers have done for our students, families, and communities.
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.
Resources
- CDC Situation Updates
- mn.gov/covid19/
- Apply for Unemployment Insurance
- Minnesota Department of Health Updates
- About COVID-19
Coverage
- Coronavirus In Minnesota: Gov. Walz Signs Executive Order That Will Allow Elective Surgeries Starting Next Week
- New Minnesota budget projection: $2.4 billion deficit
- COVID-19 brings red ink back to state budget
- Boundary Waters, Voyageurs to open for day trips, stay closed for camping
- Coronavirus In Minnesota: Free Virtual Events & Activities Happening This Week In The Twin Cities (May 5 – May 10)