September 8, 2020
Updates from the Governor
Today, Governor Tim Walz, a classroom teacher for more than 20 years, launched a statewide Safe Learning Tour. He and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan kicked-off the start of the 2020-21 school year by visiting students and educators in-person and virtually. With this school year looking different than normal, they thanked educators, students, and parents for their flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the next few weeks, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor will visit with students and educators at schools across the state, including Wyoming, Bloomington, Mankato, Saint Paul, Moorhead, Duluth, and more.
Following Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan, school districts and charter schools are beginning the school year in one of three models: in-person learning, hybrid learning, or distance learning. Experts at the Departments of Health and Education have partnered with local school districts and charter schools to help determine which learning model they should use to start the school year. The Departments of Education and Health will continue to work with school districts and local health professionals throughout the school year to track the virus and determine if and when a school may need to adjust their learning plan.
With any learning model – in-person, hybrid, or distance – the Governor and Lt. Governor remain focused on supporting Minnesota schools to deliver an equitable education that strives to meet the needs of every student in our Pre-K through grade 12 education system.
Learn more about Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan 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