Tag: Tim Walz

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

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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.” Continue reading “Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Update: March 22, 2020”

Minnesota COVID-19 Update: March 21, 2020

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March 21, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 5:40 PM on 3/21/2020.
Updates from the Governor

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) today reported the first confirmed death of a Minnesota resident due to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

The death of the Ramsey County resident occurred March 19. The person had recently tested positive for COVID-19 and was in their 80s.

“Gwen and I extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones during this time of loss,” said Governor Tim Walz. “As COVID-19 continues to spread in Minnesota, we must all do what we can to keep each other safe.”

Continue reading “Minnesota COVID-19 Update: March 21, 2020”

Gov. Walz’s Minnesota COVID-19 Update: March 20, 2020

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March 20, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 5:15 PM on 3/20/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Governor Tim Walz joined the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and public health leaders today for a detailed briefing on the state’s COVID-19 response. To streamline future state updates and information related to the pandemic, the Governor will convene press briefings every weekday at 2pm. Tune in live on the Governor’s Facebook page.

Ban on Price Gouging

Governor Walz worked with Attorney General Keith Ellison to ban price gouging in Minnesota. Over the last weeks, across our state and country, we heard reports of people trying to make a buck off this crisis. One store advertised hand sanitizer for $60 a bottle. A convenience store offered toilet paper at $10 a roll next to a sign reading: “This is not a joke.”

That behavior hurts Minnesotans. Executive Order 20-10 prohibits price gouging during the peacetime emergency. The order takes effect Saturday, March 21 at 5:00 p.m. Continue reading “Gov. Walz’s Minnesota COVID-19 Update: March 20, 2020”

Rep. Lesch applauds Gov. Walz for anti-price gouging order; remains committed to enacting measure into law

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Yesterday, Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order prohibiting price gouging during the current peacetime emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic starting tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. The measure bans the unconscionably excessive pricing of essential consumer goods and services such as food, water, fuel, gasoline, housing, shelter, transportation, health care goods and services, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and personal hygiene, sanitation, and cleaning goods.

“If you’ve seen grocery store shelves, it’s clear that some food and some household supplies are scarce, and it’s inexcusable for retailers to take advantage of this opportunity to make a quick buck off the backs of consumers. As Minnesotans, it’s up to us to say ‘no way’ and stop this price gouging,” said Rep. John Lesch (DFL – Saint Paul), chief author of legislation to ban price gouging during an emergency or other abnormal market disruption. “I thank Governor Walz for his leadership during this challenging time for Minnesotans. His order today is another example of how we will emerge from this crisis by protecting the health and economic wellbeing of Minnesotans. We will continue our work to enact strong anti-price gouging legislation to protect consumers now and in the future.”

Individuals found to be in violation are subject to investigation and enforcement by the Attorney General’s office. This executive order brings Minnesota, which does not have a statute on price gouging, in line with most other states.

Minnesotans are encouraged to report instances of price gouging by calling Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office at 651-296-3353 or 800-657-3787. Callers can ask for a translator at these numbers as well. Complaints can be made online at www.ag.state.mn.us/office/complaint.asp.

Rep. Liebling applauds Gov. Walz executive orders providing flexibility for DHS services

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, Governor Tim Walz issued executive orders to ensure critical services continue for the state’s most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive Order 20-11 authorizes the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to seek federal authority to temporarily waive or modify certain requirements for federal programs, including the Minnesota Family Investment Program, Medical Assistance, and MinnesotaCare, to ensure these programs continue providing necessary support to Minnesota families.

Executive Order 20-12 allows DHS to temporarily issue waivers or modifications to state requirements to ensure that their services can be delivered to Minnesotans safely and without undue delay, protecting vulnerable Minnesotans and those who care for them. DHS provides health care coverage, programs, and services for over 1 million Minnesotans, including groups likely to be significantly impacted by COVID-19 such as older adults, individuals who have disabilities, families with children, and individuals with mental illness.

Rep. Tina Liebling, chair of the House Health and Human Services Finance Division, issued the following statement:

“The services many vulnerable Minnesotans rely on are still necessary during the global pandemic. DHS and their partner organizations need flexibility to deliver these services. Lawmakers worked diligently across party lines and with Governor Walz’s administration to reach consensus on giving DHS this emergency authority. Our work is reflected in what the Governor announced today. I thank Governor Walz and DHS Commissioner Harpstead for their leadership. Today’s executive order will help ensure that services for people with disabilities, mental health support, childcare, housing, and other critical public health programs and services can continue. We will keep working to ensure that all Minnesotans can be safe, healthy, and well during this challenging time.”

Gov. Walz COVID-19 Response and Preparation: March 19, 2020

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March 19, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 6:00 PM on 3/19/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order today ordering health care providers to prioritize COVID-19 care by postponing elective surgeries, including elective dental procedures.

This order complies with guidance issued on March 17, 2020, from the Centers on Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as similar guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued on March 18, 2020, to delay elective surgeries and procedures, both to conserve health care resources and to reduce contact between patients and providers.

Continue reading “Gov. Walz COVID-19 Response and Preparation: March 19, 2020”

Gov. Walz March 18, 2020 COVID-19 Update

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March 18, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 7:15 PM on 3/18/2020.

By the numbers

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Updates from the Governor

Governor Tim Walz held a media briefing today to provide an update on Minnesota’s response to COVID-19. He announced that businesses will have a one month interest and penalty-free grace period on the deadline to file sales taxes, which will help alleviate financial strain businesses are facing from COVID-19.

The announcement follows reports that COVID-19 cases rose by 17 from yesterday, to 77 confirmed cases in 16 counties. Overall, the age range of cases is 17 to 71 years, with a median age of 50.

He also highlighted three executive orders he’s signed in recent days, which will:

  • Protect residents and staff in Veterans Homes by restricting all visitors and non-essential personnel except for end of life care.
  • Exempt emergency relief efforts from certain regulations that restrict their ability to provide assistance, including limits on weight and hours of service. The Order allows for the efficient movement of essential supplies, including food, medial supplies and household items.
  • Provide paid leave for all state employees who are unable to work because of COVID-19.

Clarification on Business Closures 

As a reminder, on Monday Governor Walz signed Executive Order 20-04 to order the temporary closure of Minnesota restaurants and bars to dine-in customers. He also ordered the temporary closure of other places of public accommodation and amusement, including theaters, museums, fitness centers, and community clubs. Today, he issued a clarification which extends the order to apply to salons, barbershops, and other similar establishments.

“As we move quickly to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are constantly learning and adjusting to feedback from health experts, business owners, and workers,” said Governor Walz. “The best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 is to implement social distancing, and this executive order provides clarification on how we can better implement these community mitigation strategies.”

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Grand Princess Update 

Finally, Governor Walz today announced that 32 Minnesotans who had been quarantined after leaving the Grand Princess cruise ship have now returned home.

Up-to-date guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health on recommended community mitigation strategies can be found here.

Everyone can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  • Cover your cough.
  • Events of any size should only be continued if they can be carried out with adherence to guidelines for protecting vulnerable populations, hand hygiene, and social distancing. When feasible, organizers could modify events to be virtual.

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Governor Walz Signs Executive Order to Protect Veterans Homes Residents

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – In response to the growing threat posed by the COVID-19 virus to Minnesotans, Governor Walz signed an executive order allowing Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Larry Herke to place restrictions on visitation of the veterans at Minnesota’s VeteransHomes. Senator Jerry Newton (DFL-Coon Rapids), DFL lead on the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Committee, supports the measures and their aim to protect vulnerable veterans.

“As the state responds to the unique challenges of COVID-19, we must ensure we are doing everything we can to protect the health of the hundreds of veterans in our state’s veterans’ homes,” said Senator Jerry Newton. “While these updated guidelines restrict in-person visits, the Department of Veterans Affairs will do everything in its power to balance the safety of residents and staff while finding new alternatives that will allow friends, family, and fellow veterans to connect and stay in touch.”

The restrictions ban in-person visits and instructs the Commissioner to find ways to replace visits with phone calls, video conferencing, or other methods of communicating with friends, family, and other would-be visitors. The ban does not apply in end-of-life situations and to state and federal nursing home regulatory authorities when requesting access to Minnesota Veterans Homes. Furthermore, there will be no admittance of new residents, or entry by employees, volunteers, or others without screening for signs or symptoms of COVID-19. These restrictions go into effect immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.

A copy of the executive order can be found here: https://mn.gov/governor/assets/2020_03_16_EO_20-03_MDVA_tcm1055-423381.pdf.

Minnesota COVID-19 Update: March 17, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Governor Tim Walz today signed Ch. 70 S.F. 4334 into law, allocating $200 million toward an emergency and long-term grant program to respond to the needs of health care and long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading “Minnesota COVID-19 Update: March 17, 2020”

Governor Walz: Minnesota schools to close starting Wednesday

The coronavirus is forcing state officials into more drastic action.

Governor Tim Walz has announced that Minnesota’s schools will close down for two weeks as of Wednesday.

The governor has signed an executive order authorizing the closure of the state’s K-12 public schools starting Wednesday until Friday, Mar. 27.

The move is being taken to give schools time to make plans for long-term distance learning, suggesting that the closure could be extended beyond Mar. 27, though for now the plan is to re-open on Mar. 30. Continue reading.