June 27, 2020
Updates from the Governor
Below is a summary of the actions Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan took this week to support public health, small businesses, child care providers, students, and Minnesota families struggling with the economic and health impacts of COVID-19.
Week in Review
On Monday, June 22 After offering free COVID-19 testing in Austin over the weekend in response to an increase in COVID-19 cases in Mower County, Governor Walz and the Department of Health continued to encourage all Minnesotans to get tested for the virus if they have symptoms.
On Tuesday, June 23 Governor Walz announced the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is accepting applications for a total of 10 days for the $62.5 million Small Business Relief Grants Program for businesses impacted by COVID-19. Governor Walz also signed six bills into law, including measures to increase reimbursement rates for child care providers, prohibit schools from suspending prekindergarten students, increase vaping prevention instruction, and require all teachers to have annual mental health training.
On Wednesday, June 24 Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan continued to advocate for and work with the legislature to advance police accountability and reform.
On Thursday, June 25 The Governor and Lt. Governor announced a plan to distribute $853 million in relief to communities across the state impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. $841 million will be distributed to Minnesota counties, cities, and towns to support local government coronavirus relief efforts. $12 million will be allocated toward food shelves, food banks, and other emergency services to help combat hunger across Minnesota.
On Friday, June 26 The Department of Health identified several bars that have been the source of a large number of infections. They emphasized the importance of wearing a mask and social distancing for younger people who may not feel they are personally at a high risk, because they can still spread the virus to people who have underlying health conditions.
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.