Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 7:45 PM on 4/22/2020.
Updates from the Governor
Governor Tim Walz, representatives of the state’s health care delivery systems, the Mayo Clinic, and the University of Minnesota today announced a breakthrough for rapid, widespread testing of COVID-19 in Minnesota. They plan to launch a statewide testing strategy to test all symptomatic people, isolate confirmed cases, and expand public health contact tracing tools. By building capacity to test as many as 20,000 Minnesotans per day, this increased testing and tracing will help improve control of this pandemic and support the safe re-opening of society.
“When Minnesota faces a challenge, we rise up—together,” Governor Walz said. “I’m proud to partner with Minnesota’s innovative health care systems and leading research institutions to pioneer how states can begin to move forward amid COVID-19.”
The partnership announced today will help ensure that every person in the state with symptoms of COVID-19 gets tested. The partnership will establish capacity to deliver 20,000 molecular and 15,000 serology tests per day.
The expanded testing will include intensive testing of vulnerable populations, including Minnesotans living in congregate settings and those experiencing homelessness; staff that serve vulnerable populations and health care workers; communities of color and American Indian populations; and critical infrastructure workers.
National Volunteer Week
April 19-25 is National Volunteer Week. The Governor and Lt. Governor encourage Minnesotans to participate in their homemade mask drive by making homemade masks for donation to congregate care facilities. 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. Find other ways you can make a difference in your community here.
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 and three days after your fever resolves without fever reducing medicine (whichever is longer), 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.
Resources
- CDC Situation Updates
- mn.gov/covid19/
- Apply for Unemployment Insurance
- Minnesota Department of Health Updates
- About COVID-19