Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Update: April 7, 2020

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April 7, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 9:00 PM on 4/7/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Governor Tim Walz today announced that CUB Foods and its parent company United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI), in partnership with the Governor’s Children’s Cabinet, has set up an ordering process specifically for child care providers.

Grocers are working tirelessly to meet the needs of Minnesotans – and they’re going the extra mile for our child care providers and emergency workers,” said Governor Walz. “Partnerships like this are critical to keep our communities healthy and safe. I’m grateful to CUB for stepping up in this time of crisis.”

CUB, based in Stillwater, Minnesota, has an extensive statewide supply chain network, including Kemps, that will allow child care providers serving children of emergency workers to secure needed products at convenient, flexible hours and locations.

Child care providers can visit MN.gov/childcare to find resources.

Walz Request for Federal Assistance Approved

Following an April 5 letter from Governor Tim Walz, President Donald Trump today declared a major disaster in the State of Minnesota and ordered federal assistance to help mitigate the pandemic’s impact on public health, state resources, unemployment, and community infrastructure such as health care facilities.

“It’s going to take all of us to come together to fight COVID-19,” said Governor Walz. “We’re working closely with our partners at both the local and federal levels to ensure we protect Minnesotans’ health and wellbeing during this pandemic.”

This will provide authorization for funding to support crisis counseling, supplemental nutrition programs, medical assistance, funeral assistance, legal services, and statewide hazard mitigation.4

Social Distancing Over the Holidays

With upcoming religious holidays, the Governor today also reminded Minnesotans, who would typically be gathering with extended family and friends during this time of year, to practice social distancing. As difficult as it may be, it’s critical to helping keep our neighbors and loved ones safe.

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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