Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Update: March 23, 2020

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March 23, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 4:30 PM on 3/23/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Governor Walz today announced he will self-quarantine for 14 days after learning he had contact with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19. The Governor was informed of the contact early this morning and has not left his home since.

“The most important thing Minnesotans can do to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home,” said Governor Walz. “I’m using this as an opportunity to lead by example. Though I’m feeling healthy and not showing any symptoms, I’m going to work from home and model the protocol we are asking all Minnesotans to follow.”

“Because our state must maintain essential services, not every Minnesotan is able to stay home,” continued Governor Walz. “Those of us who are able to work from home must do so out of respect to our health care professionals, first responders, pharmacists, grocers, child care providers, and all Minnesotans who are working to keep us safe during this crisis.” 

The Governor will continue to oversee the State of Minnesota’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, he signed Executive Orders to suspend evictions, support small businesses, and address hospital equipment shortages. He also released a revised supplemental budget directing an additional $356 million toward COVID-19 response.

Suspending Evictions

Governor Walz signed Executive Order 20-14 to suspend eviction proceedings during the COVID-19 peacetime emergency. Loss of housing is catastrophic at any time, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, this loss endangers the health and well-being of all Minnesotans. While this order clarifies that tenants who can continue to pay rent during the peacetime emergency should continue to do so, landlords and financial institutions cannot begin eviction proceedings that would remove tenants from stable housing.

Help for Small Businesses

Our small businesses are facing unprecedented uncertainty. Governor Walz signed Executive Order 20-15 to authorize the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to establish a Small Business Emergency Loan Program for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Minnesota’s small businesses and independent contractors are among the worst hit by the pandemic. DEED’s emergency loan program will help Minnesota small business owners who need immediate assistance during COVID-19 closures.

Addressing Hospital Equipment Shortages

As hospitals and health care providers report shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), Governor Walz signed Executive Order 20-16 directing all non-hospital entities to conduct an inventory of their PPE, ventilators, respirators, and anesthesia machines, report the result to the state, and either donate such equipment to a local coordinating entity or preserve it. On Saturday, Governor Walz directed the National Guard to transport PPE from storage at Camp Ripley to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

Funding to Combat COVID-19

Also today, the Governor and Lt. Governor announced a revised supplemental budget, allocating an additional $356 million toward the state’s COVID-19 response. The revised budget would support and protect Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic. It would:

  • Provide emergency grants to child care centers
  • Support families struggling financially through the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)
  • Support veterans and their families facing financial burdens
  • Increase funding for food shelves
  • Offer small business loans
  • And increase resources for Minnesotans struggling with homelessness.

The budget would also create a COVID-19 Minnesota Fund that would give the state government the resources necessary to deploy resources and respond to the needs of Minnesotans in real time.

View the Governor’s full 2020 Revised Supplemental Budget Proposal.

Extending Minnesota’s tax deadline

Governor Walz also announced that taxpayers filing their annual Minnesota Individual Income Tax return for tax year 2019 now have until Wednesday, July 15, 2020, to file and make their payments without any penalties or interest.

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.

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Public Health Officials to Provide COVID-19 Briefing

Tomorrow at 2pm, 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. You can listen to the briefing live from local news outlets or on Minnesota Public Radio.

Today, MDH announced that there are 66 new cases, for a total of 235 cases in 31 counties. Health officials reported Minnesota’s first death due to COVID-19 this weekend.

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 MDH on recommended community mitigation strategies can be found here.

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