At 1pm today, Governor Tim Walz will issue an Executive Order 20-01 declaring a peacetime state of emergency in Minnesota and unveil legislative proposals to combat the spread of this virus.
These actions come in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Health announcing new community mitigation strategies to limit the spread of the virus, which Governor Walz advises and urges Minnesotans to follow, including:
Cancel or postpone large events in excess of 250 people gathered together;
Ensure space for social distancing of six feet per person at smaller events and gatherings (less than 250 people); and
Limit gatherings with participants at high risk for severe disease to less than 10 people.
Further details on MDH’s recommended community mitigation strategies can be found at https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html.
Governor Walz’s legislative proposals will better prepare our health care system and provide relief to Minnesotans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Governor is requesting immediate assistance from the Legislature in creating a COVID emergency fund, removing financial barriers for Minnesotans who need to be tested, expanding the use of paid sick time, and providing long-term care facilities with more resources, among other recommendations. The full package of legislative proposals can be found attached.
The Governor continues to monitor this evolving situation, and we will ensure you remain informed.