May 6, 2020
Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 5:30 PM on 5/6/2020.
Updates from the Governor
During today’s daily briefing hosted by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Commissioner Alice Roberts-Davis discussed her work to secure critical medical supplies for Minnesota. The state’s procurement of essential COVID-19 supplies is updated regularly on our website. MDH provided updated COVID-19 case counts, and explained how the recent increase in cases is tied to the state’s ramping up of testing. The briefing is available on MPR’s website.
Commissioner Jan Malcolm thanked nurses on the front lines during this pandemic, and highlighted the work nurses are doing to keep Minnesotans healthy through this pandemic. Governor Walz also recognized National Nurses Day by thanking nurses and health care workers, and the Minnesota National Guard conducted statewide flyovers today in recognition of those on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic response.
Finally, Governor Walz and MDH encourage Minnesotans to continue seeking medical help if they need it. Our hospitals and care providers are prepared to treat Minnesotans for any concern they have about their health.
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.
Resources
- CDC Situation Updates
- mn.gov/covid19/
- Apply for Unemployment Insurance
- Minnesota Department of Health Updates
- About COVID-19
Coverage
- Coronavirus In Minnesota: Patients And Doctors Hail Gov. Tim Walz’s Decision To Reopen Elective Surgeries
- Mayo Clinic Health System to resume elective care, surgeries Monday
- Walz executive order protects COVID-19 aid from debt collectors
- Health care workers fighting COVID-19 watch flyover from Minnesota National Guard
- COVID-19 Daily Briefing: PPE supply increasing in state despite ‘competitive’ market