Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: April 10, 2020

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Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 6:00 PM on 4/10/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Like many Minnesotans, Governor Walz will observe the holidays with his family this weekend. Our thoughts are with Minnesotans across faith communities who would typically be spending upcoming religious holidays with extended family and friends. We ask Minnesotans to remember that as hard as social distancing is during this season, it’s still important and will help ensure our neighbors and loved ones stay safe.

Grocery stores and food co-ops are still open for business and helping to feed our families. Please help us all stay safe and practice social distancing by remembering to shop one person at a time when possible. Stay Home guidelines still apply during the holidays – visit our new COVID-19 website for FAQs, resources, data, and tips on how to protect yourself.

Today, scientists from the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Health provided a press briefing on the Minnesota modeling developed to help inform the state’s policy and response. An interdisciplinary team at the University of Minnesota has been working with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to use available evidence on COVID-19 to estimate the trajectory of the disease in Minnesota. You can read more about the model and watch the MDH briefing on it here: mn.gov/covid19/data/modeling.jsp.

Also today, Governor Walz signed an Executive Order to protect Minnesota’s first responders by allowing additional data sharing between Minnesota public health and safety officials, 911 dispatchers, and first responders. First responders keep Minnesotans and their communities safe — it’s imperative that we protect their health and safety.

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Everyone can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19

  • 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.
  • Stay home if you have cold- or flu-like symptoms, for seven days after your illness onset or three days after your fever resolves without fever reducing medicine, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Up-to-date guidance from the Department of Health on recommended community mitigation strategies can be found here.

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