Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Update: April 10, 2020

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Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 3:00 PM on 4/9/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Yesterday, Governor Walz announced that he is extending the Stay Home Executive Order until May 4. The Governor reminded Minnesotans how important it is to stay home, because decisions we all make now will have life or death impacts for our neighbors and loved ones down the road.

We know this isn’t easy on Minnesota businesses, large and small. We have a number of different loans and grants available to businesses that are struggling, and we encourage all employers to contact the Department of Employment and Economic Development to see what programs and resources are available. We want to continue to find ways to help Minnesota businesses and taxpayers as much as possible during these uncertain times.

The Department of Revenue announced today that they are extending the grace period on Sales and Use Tax payments for businesses impacted by COVID-19. Identified businesses with a monthly or quarterly Sales and Use Tax payment due April 20, 2020, will now have until May 20, 2020, to make that payment. We’re hopeful that this payment grace period will allow bars, restaurants, and places of public accommodation some additional time to pay their sales tax obligation.

We’re also proud to say that the Department of Transportation is participating in the global #LightItBlue campaign to honor healthcare providers and essential workers. The Interstate 35W Bridge in Minneapolis and states around the country will light landmarks blue to thank front-line workers for everything they’re doing to keep Minnesotans safe.

Updates on the Stay Home Order and the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota are available at mn.gov/covid19/.

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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 or three days after your fever resolves without fever reducing medicine, 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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