Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: April 18, 2020

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Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 7:30 PM on 4/18/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan today launched a week-long statewide homemade mask drive to encourage Minnesotans to create homemade masks for donation and highlight the importance of workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Minnesotans can deliver homemade masks to their local fire department. Fire departments will then deliver the masks to local congregate living facilities for their employees and residents to wear.

“Those working in congregate living facilities are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Walz. “While homemade masks will not replace personal protective equipment, they go a long way in preventing the wearer from infecting others. I am asking Minnesota’s crafters, sewers, and creatives to step up and help out their community.”

Face mask design patterns and instructions can be found online and below:

  • Build a mask that tightly encloses the area around the nose and mouth, from the bridge of the nose down to the chin, and extending onto the cheek beyond the corners of the mouth, so no gaps occur when talking or moving.
  • Use mask material that is tightly woven but breathable. Double-layer the fabric if possible.
    • Masks must be made from washable material such as fabric. Choose a fabric that can handle high temperatures and bleach without shrinking or otherwise deforming.
  • The mask should be tolerant of expected amounts of moisture from breathing.
  • Suggested materials:
    • Outer layer tea cloth
    • Inner layer of a microfleece to wick away moisture
    • Use an accordion fold to mimic a hospital mask as much as possible
    • Use a fat woven shoelace type material to bind the sides (such as quilt binding)
    • For straps, use elastic straps that loop behind the ears.

The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings to protect others from COVID-19. Cloth face masks can help prevent the wearer from infecting others – especially in situations where they may spread the virus without symptoms. Cloth face masks are not a proven way to prevent COVID-19 from infecting the wearer.

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Yesterday, Governor Walz signed legislation allowing takeout sales of beer and wine from bars and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. After the Governor encouraged the legislature to take up the issue, the bill received overwhelming bipartisan support in the House and Senate.

“This is a small but important step to provide relief for the local restaurants that are struggling to keep their lights on during this pandemic,” said Governor Walz. “This will allow Minnesotans to continue to support their favorite local businesses. The restaurant industry is finding creative ways to keep Minnesotans fed and happy during this challenging time, and we’re going to help them out.”

Bars and restaurants are able to sell an unopened six-pack of beer, cider or hard seltzer or a bottle of wine with food orders.

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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