Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 8, 2020

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May 8, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 6:00 PM on 5/8/2020.

Updates from the Governor

As COVID-19 has exacerbated racial, economic, and educational inequities, the Walz-Flanagan Administration has prioritized the safety of our most vulnerable workers, families, and communities. During today’s daily COVID-19 response media briefing, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan highlighted the work of the Administration’s Community Resiliency and Recovery Work Group, which studies and takes action to protect the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities in Minnesota.

Also today, Governor Walz called on the Legislature to extend and replenish a Minnesota fund used to keep Minnesotans safe amid COVID-19. The Governor signed the fund into law on March 19, and without an extension by the legislature, it’s set to expire on May 11.

“The COVID-19 fund is saving lives by increasing our testing capacity, ensuring we have enough hospital beds for every Minnesotan who needs care, and purchasing much-needed personal protective equipment,” said Governor Walz. “I look forward to working with the Legislature to extend the fund until June 30, 2021 and replenish the fund so Minnesotans can continue to get the resources they need to weather this pandemic.”

Finally, Governor Walz highlighted Minnesota Correctional Employees Week. Our state’s corrections employees provide a critical service to our communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, correctional staff continue the difficult work of operating correctional facilities, 24-hours-a-day, and doing everything they can to keep those who are incarcerated safe during this 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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