Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Upate: April 5, 2020

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April 5, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 7:00 PM on 4/5/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Walz delivered his second State of the State address remotely from the Governor’s Residence. During his speech, he recognized the new reality facing Minnesotans as COVID-19 disrupts their everyday lives, a reality that far exceeds Minnesota’s harshest winters. But he also pointed out that Minnesotans are resilient people with a deep reserve of courage, optimism, and grit. While there’s no stopping the storm of COVID-19 from hitting Minnesota, we are preparing for it:

  • We are building our hospital capacity so that we can ensure as many Minnesotans as possible receive the care they need when they need it.
  • We are increasing testing to better track the disease.
  • We are increasing ventilators and ICU beds for when people fall ill.
  • We are doing all we can to find more personal protective equipment for the selfless doctors, nurses, first-responders, and so many others on the frontlines against COVID-19.

Governor Walz shared how Minnesota is not only preparing— but leading the way. Our state’s companies and health care systems are stepping up to the plate to ensure we are ready in every way possible. And Minnesotans are also doing critical work by staying home. We will get through this in the same way we get through a cold winter: together as One Minnesota.

This weekend, Governor Walz also sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting a major disaster declaration to authorize emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, to combat COVID-19.

New COVID-19 Website

Last Friday, the Governor unveiled a new State of Minnesota COVID-19 dashboard that tracks the virus in Minnesota and provides the latest available data on available ventilators, ICU beds, personal protective equipment (PPE), and testing. The dashboard will be updated daily and is available at mn.gov/covid19/.

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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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