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

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April 13, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 8:00 PM on 4/13/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Tim Walz extended Minnesota’s peacetime emergency in Minnesota for 30 days. A peacetime emergency allows Minnesota to continue many of the public health and economic relief measures it has implemented to help Minnesotans weather the COVID-19 pandemic.

>“Minnesota’s actions have saved lives, but the threat of COVID-19 remains,” said Governor Walz. “The next stages of this pandemic are going to challenge us – an extension of Minnesota’s peacetime emergency will allow us to protect Minnesotans’ health and wellbeing and continue to respond effectively to this rapidly-evolving situation.”

Minnesota’s peacetime emergency has allowed Minnesota to take strong steps to combat COVID-19, including:

  • Enhanced protections for veterans in our veterans homes
  • Activation of the National Guard to assist in relief efforts
  • Measures to preserve personal protective equipment
  • Efforts to provide economic relief and stability to those impacted by the pandemic
  • Regulatory changes allowing our state agencies and licensing boards to ensure fast relief to Minnesotans
  • And an order directing Minnesotans to stay at home to slow the spread of the virus

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Today, Governor Walz also spoke to Minnesotans about a few ways the State of Minnesota is helping to weather the storm created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Governor shared that starting today Metro Mobility will provide free door-to-door transportation service for any person in the Metro Mobility region who works at a healthcare facility, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

A new food emergency resources page is available on Minnesota’s COVID-19 website. The people of Minnesota are here to help communities during these difficult times. There are many resources in your community that can help!

Governor Walz also responded to a troubling spike in traffic fatalities due to speeding and reckless driving, urging Minnesotans to follow traffic rules and to drive safely, even though there are fewer cars on the road.

The Governor is also keeping a close eye on state spending – today he announced a state hiring freeze and pay cuts for himself and members of his cabinet. Minnesota will receive an updated budget projection in early May to get a better understanding of COVID-19’s impact on the state’s finances.

New Profile Picture Frame

Help us spread the word and slow the spread of COVID-19. You can change your Facebook profile picture to encourage Minnesotans to join our #StayHomeMN campaign by clicking here.

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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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