Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Update: March 22, 2020

March 22, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 4:30 PM on 3/22/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Yesterday, Governor Walz announced a new Executive Order, which authorizes the Minnesota National Guard to provide assistance during the COVID-19 peacetime emergency. The Minnesota National Guard’s initial mission is to transport personal protective equipment (PPE), such as protective face masks, from storage at Camp Ripley to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

Executive Order 20-13 helps address the critically low supply of PPE in Minnesota’s hospitals and health care facilities, as well as the delivery delays from the federal government’s Strategic National Stockpile.

“In times of need, Minnesotans pull together to make sure we have the resources and supplies we need to get through challenges,” said Governor Walz. “Minnesota’s hospitals, health care facilities, and first responders are in desperate need of personal protective equipment, and I’m grateful to have the Minnesota National Guard’s partnership in delivering these supplies for Minnesotans.”

Activation of the Minnesota National Guard has already begun and is active through the duration of the COVID-19 peacetime emergency.

Spread the Word

Help us spread the word and slow the spread of COVID-19. You can change your Facebook profile picture to encourage Minnesotans to join our #StayHomeMN campaign by clicking here.

Public Health Officials to Provide COVID-19 Briefing

Tomorrow, Governor Walz will join MDH and public health officials for their daily briefing on COVID-19 in Minnesota and the State’s response. The best way to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy is to follow trusted information sources like MDH. The media availability will also be streamed live on our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/GovTimWalz.

Today, MDH announced that there are 25 new cases, for a total of 169 cases in 28 counties. Health officials reported Minnesota’s first death due to COVID-19 yesterday.

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 Minnesota Department of Health on recommended community mitigation strategies can be found here.

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