September 10, 2020
Updates from the Governor
Governor Tim Walz announced today that Minnesota has received a $22 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program for the Highway 14: Nicollet to New Ulm Mobility and Safety Improvement Project. The state also received a $15 million BUILD grant for the Highway 10 Rum River Bridge Replacement and Intersection Improvements project.
Governor Walz’s advocacy in completing the final expansion of Highway 14—the 12 miles of two-lane traffic between Nicollet and New Ulm—spans back to his time in Congress and the death of his neighbor in Mankato.
Also today, Governor Walz signed a proclamation to increase awareness of mental health issues and suicide prevention, especially among veterans. The proclamation, in partnership with the President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS), is part of a national effort to prevent veterans’ suicide. More than 30 Governors signed similar proclamations to participate in the challenge to eliminate veteran death by suicide. View the full proclamation here.
Over 100 veterans have died annually by suicide in Minnesota from 2014 to 2018. To support the goal of preventing veteran suicide, the Governor submitted a supplemental budget proposal, which included creating a Veteran Suicide Prevention Office within the Department of Veterans Affairs to address the ongoing problem of veteran suicide in Minnesota. The new office will work with partners from other state, local, and federal entities on suicide prevention efforts and engage in research and education. The office will focus on reducing the incidence of veteran suicide by aligning resources for veterans in need and those who care for them.
Lastly, in observance of the 19th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and in accordance with a proclamation issued by the President, Governor Walz has ordered that all United States flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota from sunrise until sunset. Individuals, businesses, and other organizations also are encouraged to join in lowering their flags in observance of the anniversary.
Governor Walz’s full proclamation can be viewed here.
Everyone can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19
- Wear masks when in public. 10-50% of virus carriers are asymptomatic wearing masks helps control the virus and has been shown to lower COVID-19 spread.
- Avoid enclosed spaces with groups of people, where the virus can linger in the air for long periods of time.
- Get tested if you have cold or flu-like symptoms – Find testing locations.
- Stay six feet away from others.
- 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.
- Up-to-date guidance is available from the Department of Health.
Resources
- Visit mn.gov/covid19 to learn more about Minnesota’s COVID-19 Response and Preparation
- Find a testing location in your community
- CDC Situation Updates
- Apply for Unemployment Insurance
- Minnesota Department of Health Updates
- About COVID-19