| May 24, 2020 Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 4:30 PM on 5/24/2020. Updates from the Governor Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan remain committed to protecting Minnesotans' health and safety through this unprecedented public health crisis. Below is a recap of the previous week, which included moving into the next phases of Stay Safe MN. Week in Review On Monday, May 18 we moved into the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic: Stay Safe MN. Friends and families can gather in groups of 10 or less, as long as safety measures are taken, such as wearing masks, washing hands, and staying six feet apart at all times. Shops across Main Street Minnesota can open if they have a safe social distancing plan and operate at 50% capacity. With these measures, the Walz-Flanagan Administration took additional steps to protect the most vulnerable and our state’s workers. The Governor and Lt. Governor also discussed the end of the 2020 the legislative session. On Tuesday, May 19 Governor Walz ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings from sunrise until sunset on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, and the 19th of every month through 2020, to remember and honor the lives lost due to COVID-19. Department of Health officials also underlined the importance of continuing well-child visits, noting a troubling drop in routine vaccinations. As our health system battles COVID-19, it's important to continue these regular visits, which stop preventable diseases and help keep children healthy. On Wednesday, May 20 Governor Walz announced the next phases in his Stay Safe Plan, including a cautious, strategic turn of the dial to allow limited outdoor dining at restaurants and bars starting June 1. The Governor also announced salons and barbershops will be allowed to open June 1 at 25 percent occupancy to ensure the safety of both the employees and the customers inside. In both industries, customers are either strongly recommended or required to wear masks, make reservations, and adhere to social distancing requirements to keep themselves, other customers, and employees safe. On Thursday, May 21 leaders from the Minnesota Department of Health provided an update on our Administration’s Five-Point Battle Plan to combat COVID-19 in long-term care facilities. On Friday, May 22 Governor Walz announced that Minnesotans who need or want to be tested for COVID-19 will be able to access free testing at six National Guard Armory locations across Minnesota throughout the Memorial Day holiday weekend: Saturday, May 23, through Monday, May 25. On Saturday, May 23, a day after the CDC issued new guidance allowing for reopening places of worship, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced they have partnered with Minnesota faith leaders on a plan for places of worship who decide to open to do so as safely as possible. Free COVID-19 Testing Available On Friday, the Governor announced Minnesota will offer free COVID-19 testing at six sites across the state through Monday. Minnesotans can visit the Armory locations in St. James, Faribault, Duluth, Moorhead, Minneapolis, and East St. Paul for a test, and will not be asked for payment, insurance, or ID. Celebrating Eid For Muslim Minnesotans, Eid is an opportunity to reflect on the 30 days spent fasting during Ramadan and to recommit to values of gratitude, compassion, and generosity. This year, like many of our favorite holidays and traditions, Eid looks a little different. This year, these celebrations must be virtual but will still hold the same meaning and weight in the lives of Muslim Minnesotans all across the state. Governor Tim Walz wishes everyone an Eid Mubarak on this joyous occasion! Everyone can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19 - Wear masks when in public. 10-50% of virus carriers are asymptomatic wearing masks helps control the virus and has been shown to lower COVID-19 spread.
- Avoid enclosed spaces with groups of people, where the virus can linger in the air for long periods of time.
- Get tested if you have cold or flu-like symptoms - Find testing locations.
- Stay six feet away from others.
- 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.
- Up-to-date guidance is available from the Department of Health.
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