Minnesota COVID-19 Update: March 30, 2020 - Updates from the Governor

Updates from the Governor

Governor Walz today announced Department of Administration Commissioner Alice Roberts-Davis will lead the Administration's procurement operation for COVID-19, and direct the State's efforts in procuring critical lifesaving care supplies. Commissioner Roberts-Davis will focus on managing inventories, securing needed supplies such as personal protective equipment and ventilators, and developing solutions to offset supply shortages for hospitals and emergency responders. Her strong background in procurement and public-private partnerships will serve Minnesota well in the weeks and months to come.

Governor Walz also thanked educators who started their first official day of distance learning today and reiterated that the Stay At Home order does not mean anyone should stay somewhere unsafe. There are places of sanctuary open for anyone facing abuse or violence. Minnesota's statewide crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1.866.223.1111 or by text at 612.399.9995.

PSAs

Last week, Governor Tim Walz launched a Stay Home MN public service announcement (PSA) campaign. In the PSAs, Governor Walz encourages Minnesotans to help slow the spread of infection by staying home and directs them to the Minnesota Department of Health website for more information. With those PSAs already running on television, the Governor's Office is working with the Minnesota Newspaper Association to begin running print versions of the PSAs in newspapers across the state.

"COVID-19 presents an unprecedented challenge to our state," said Governor Walz. "The State of Minnesota and our private partners are doing everything we can to protect Minnesotans, but we need your help. Minnesotans, stay home and let's make sure we keep our family, our friends, and our neighbors safe."

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.