Tag: Tim Walz

Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 22, 2020

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May 22, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 5:00 PM on 5/22/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Walz announced that Minnesotans who need or want to be tested for COVID-19 will be able to access free testing at six National Guard Armory locations across Minnesota throughout the Memorial Day holiday weekend: Saturday, May 23, through Monday, May 25.

“Testing, tracing, and isolating are the best ways to both understand the impact of the pandemic on our communities and to contain it, so we can continue safely reopening our state,” said Governor Walz. “I am grateful the Minnesota National Guard is helping with this important effort as we continue to navigate this pandemic.” Continue reading “Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 22, 2020”

Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 22, 2020

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May 21, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 6:00 PM on 5/21/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Today, leaders from the Minnesota Department of Health provided an update on our Administration’s response to COVID-19 in long-term care facilities. Significant work has been done to stand up the Governor’s Five-Point Battle Plan over the last several weeks, including: Continue reading “Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 22, 2020”

Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 20, 2020

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Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 7:00 PM on 5/20/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Governor Tim Walz today announced the next phases in his Stay Safe Plan, including a cautious, strategic turn of the dial to allow limited outdoor dining at restaurants and bars starting June 1. The Governor also announced  salons and barbershops will be allowed to open June 1 at 25 percent occupancy to ensure the safety of both the employees and the customers inside. In both industries, customers are either strongly recommended or required to wear masks, make reservations, and adhere to social distancing requirements to keep themselves, other customers, and employees safe.

“Our restaurants and bars are an integral part of the social fabric of Minnesota, and it has been heartbreaking to see this pandemic wreak havoc on our hospitality industry,” said Governor Walz. “While the virus won’t yet allow for business as usual, let’s do what we do best after winter in Minnesota and head outside. Whether it’s a Jucy Lucy, a plate of tamales, or a walleye dinner, Minnesotans can support their local restaurant by enjoying a socially distanced meal outdoors.” Continue reading “Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 20, 2020”

Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 19, 2020

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May 19, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 8:00 PM on 5/19/2020.

Updates from the Governor

There have been more than 700 deaths in Minnesota due to COVID-19. Each and every life lost is dearly missed by a community of parents, children, co-workers, friends, and neighbors. To remember and honor the lives lost due to COVID-19, Governor Walz ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings from sunrise until sunset on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, and the 19th of every month through 2020.

We know that deaths due to COVID-19 are disproportionately affecting Indigenous communities, the elderly, individuals with pre-existing conditions and disabilities, people of color, and people experiencing homelessness. Now more than ever, Minnesotans must come together to support Minnesotans who are most vulnerable to this virus. This means: Continue reading “Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 19, 2020”

Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 17, 2020

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Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 7:00 PM on 5/17/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan remain committed to protecting Minnesotans’ health and safety through this unprecedented public health crisis. Below is a recap of the previous week, which included announcing the next phase of our response to this pandemic, Stay Safe MN, which takes effect tomorrow, Monday, May 18.

Week in Review

On Monday, May 11 Governor Walz signed an Executive Order allowing students in critical care sectors to attend classes for needed in-person training or testing in order to graduate. The Executive Order will fill workforce shortages by accelerating entry into critical sectors for up to 1,000 students that will serve Minnesota’s most vulnerable populations. Department of Health officials also highlighted the importance of Minnesotans’ participation in case investigations to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Continue reading “Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 17, 2020”

Governor Walz Signs Tobacco 21 Legislation into Law

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, Governor Walz signed into law legislation that raises the age for Minnesotans to purchase tobacco, tobacco products, electronic delivery devices, and other nicotine products, to 21.

“Adopting statewide Tobacco 21 is urgently needed to provide clarity, accountability, and to make it easier for our state and local partners to help in standing up to Big Tobacco for our youth,” said Rep. Heather Edelson (DFL-Edina), the House chief author of the bill.

In December of 2019, Tobacco 21 became federal law, which meant the minimum age required to legally purchase tobacco products increased from 18 to 21 for the entire country. At the time, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) directed retailers to immediately implement the change. Some retailers, however, have expressed confusion and insisted they will not comply until they see the change made at the state level.

The initiative has a strong bipartisan coalition of support among health care professionals, ClearWay Minnesota, youth organizations, and several Minnesota cities who have already enacted Tobacco 21 locally.

Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 16, 2020

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May 16, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 8:00 PM on 5/16/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Tim Walz signed 11 bills into law, including measures to raise the age to purchase tobacco to 21 and make Minnesota the first state to prohibit the use of the toxic and long-lasting chemical trichloroethylene (TCE)

At the end of the day, our job is to keep Minnesotans safe,” said Governor Walz. “These strong bipartisan measures will improve public health and reduce preventable health risks. Raising the age to buy tobacco to 21 will help stop addiction before it starts and save young lives.”

The Governor’s bill signing today included:

Tobacco 21

  • Raises the age for Minnesotans to purchase tobacco, tobacco products, electronic delivery devices, and other nicotine products to 21.

Continue reading “Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 16, 2020”

Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 15, 2020

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May 15, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 7:15 PM on 5/15/2020.

The Governor and Lt. Governor continue to work to protect Minnesotans’ health, safety, and well-being during this unprecedented time.

Today, the Governor announced the appointment of Judge Gordon Moore to the Minnesota Supreme Court. Judge Moore currently serves the Fifth District Court in Nobles County. Prior to that, he served as the Nobles County Attorney, an assistant city attorney for Worthington, and a special assistant and assistant attorney general under Attorney General Hubert “Skip” Humphrey III. Continue reading “Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 15, 2020”

Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 14, 2020

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May 14, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 8:15 PM on 5/14/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Tim Walz signed an Executive Order directing the Commissioner of Education to provide a safe and effective summer learning environment for Minnesota’s students. Minnesota’s public school districts and charter schools will have the option to offer summer learning through a hybrid model of distance learning and in-school learning, or to continue distance learning.

“The safety and well-being of all Minnesotans is always our top priority,” said Governor Walz. “By slowly turning the dial for school settings this summer, we can better serve Minnesota’s students and families, and provide more opportunities for the in-person learning and social interactions that are critical for learning.”

This Order will offer schools the flexibility for some in-person instruction if they are in compliance with Department of Health (MDH) guidelines on masking, social distancing, personal hygiene, screening, and cleaning, and adhere to MDH’s guidance for summer programs. The public health guidance will help schools keep their students, their families, and school staff safe and healthy while offering meaningful learning opportunities. This model will give schools an opportunity to better support the students who have been struggling with distance learning, especially historically underserved students. These public health guidelines will also apply to summer programing outside of a school setting. Continue reading “Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 14, 2020”

Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 13, 2020

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May 13, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 6:30 PM on 5/13/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Tim Walz announced the next phase of the COVID-19 response in Minnesota. Citing progress made to prepare for peak of infection, the Governor announced a measured, cautious turning of the dial toward a new normal.

With the Stay Home Executive Order set to expire on May 18, the Governor will replace it with an order continuing to encourage Minnesotans to stay close to home but allowing for gatherings of friends and family of 10 people or less. The Governor will also open retail stores and other main street businesses if they have a social distancing plan and operate at 50 percent occupancy. Additional guidance, including a template plan and checklist for businesses, is available on DEED’s website at mn.gov/deed/safework. Continue reading “Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 13, 2020”