Neighbors,
We are living in a difficult time as the number of COVID-19 cases escalate. Many of us know someone who has been infected and we all are adapting to change, stress, and uncertainly.
I want to reassure you that, in Minnesota, we have the best medical and public health professionals working to help keep you safe and informed. As lawmakers, we are working with Gov. Walz to craft legislation to help all Minnesotans during the major COVID-19 disruptions. Contact me any time if you need information or assistance.
LATEST NEWS:
On Monday, Governor Walz issued several Executive Orders (EO) to suspend evictions, support small businesses and address the hospital equipment shortage. Read the details here. Click here for details on all Executive Orders.
HOW WE CAN HELP:
Income tax deadlines have been extended to July 15 for both federal and state filing. More information can be found from the Minnesota Dept. of Revenue and the IRS.
For education-related news, check the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) website.
As always, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is a trusted source for up to date information.
For information on the special enrollment period for MNsure, click here.
Employee/Employer Resources
Executive Order 20-15 authorizes the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to establish a Small Business Emergency Loanprogram for businesses adversely affected by COVID-19.
If you are an impacted employer or employee, you can also find information at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) website for helpful resources.
Minnesota’s small business are now eligible to apply for federal disaster assistancethrough the Small Business Administration (SBA) for economic injury during the COVID-19 pandemic.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
These are stressful times for everyone. This is a good time to call, email or text your family, friends and neighbors – especially if someone is elderly, alone or ill. They will appreciate your kindness.
Drop-off sites for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Hennepin County is asking for donations to help our first responders who are running low on these critical supplies. Go to the Hennepin County COVID-19 site and scroll down for information on what’s needed and drop-off sites and hours.
You can help others
Minnesota Public Radio has compiled a list of ways you can help others. Read more here.
Protecting Ourselves and Our Community
Here are steps we can continue to all take to stay healthy:
- COVID-19 primarily spreads by droplets. For your safety, the best thing to do is stay home. Even if healthy, stay home as much as is possible. If you must go out, stay at least six feet away from others.
- Wash your hands often and when you wash them, do so for 20 seconds before rinsing (that means singing Happy Birthday twice before rinsing).
- COVID-19 can also spread from surfaces to you, but only via mucous membranes. In other words, it can only infect you by going from your hands to your eyes, nose or mouth (it cannot infect you through your skin). Therefore, don’t touch your face. This is hard to stop doing (we are creatures of habit), so if you touch your face think about why and look to identify triggers. That will help you break the habit.
- If sick, stay home. If you are very sick (i.e. fever, cough, and shortness of breath) and you feel like you need to see someone, call first or do an e-visit. Do not just show up to your clinic, Urgent Care, or Emergency Dept. without notifying them first. This helps the clinic, Urgent Care, or Emergency Dept. prepare for you and helps avoid infecting others.
- When you cough, use your sleeve to cover your mouth and help prevent spreading droplets that can infect others.
Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. It’s an honor to represent you at the State Capitol.
Sincerely,
Laurie Pryor
State Representative