Minnesota News and Outreach – December 17, 2020

Executive Order 20-103

Yesterday, Governor Walz announced Executive Order 20-103, which is an extension of the four-week pause on certain activities to slow the spread of COVID-19. While some businesses can continue to offer goods and services in a safe manner, many others will again have to weather the challenge of adjusting their operations to “to-go” or virtual means.

Starting Dec. 19 at 11:59 p.m. to Jan. 10 at 11:59 p.m.:

• Outdoor dining may resume at 50% capacity, 100 people max. No indoor dining and bar service. Delivery, window, walk-up, or drive-up service is open and encouraged.

• Gyms, fitness and yoga studios, martial arts, and dance studios may open at 25% capacity, 100 people max. Masks are required at all times. 12 feet of distance must be maintained between patrons and between machines.

• Outdoor events and entertainment may open at 25% capacity, 100 people max, with 6 feet of distance between households.

• Organized sports for youth and adults are not allowed. Practices can resume January 4, 2021.

• Public pools and rec centers will be closed.

• Indoor entertainment venues will be closed.

• Receptions, celebrations, and private parties must be canceled or postponed. Weddings, funerals, and other similar planned ceremonies can be held with the current rules in place, but all receptions and gatherings connected to these ceremonies must be canceled or postponed.

• Social gatherings:

o Two households may gather indoors, 10 people max.

o Three households may gather outdoors, 15 people max.

o Masks are strongly encouraged and social distancing must be maintained.

Based on Minnesota’s evolving knowledge and understanding of the virus, the Safe Learning Plan for the 2020-21 School Year has been updated so that starting on January 18, every elementary school in Minnesota may choose to operate in person with additional safety measures.

These changes will help to reduce the number of infections while safely supporting our schools, hospitals, and economy. For more information and guidance, visit Minnesota's Stay Safe Plan: Adjusting the Dials or Stay Safe MN.

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The situation is changing rapidly. Visit Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for the most up-to-date information and follow MDH on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram to stay informed.

What's New

COVID-19 Vaccine

There has been a lot of interest and excitement as COVID-19 vaccine starts to arrive in Minnesota. MDH and our partners are working quickly to make vaccine available, but never at the cost of safety or accuracy. That means making sure that Minnesota providers have all of the resources and training they need in order to correctly administer the vaccine.

This week, registered providers are getting ready to start giving vaccine by completing trainings and reviewing the Interim COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Guide on COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Health Professionals. They are also making sure standing orders and protocols are updated.

As we have talked about, vaccine will roll out in a phased approach with health care workers and long-term care residents in the first priority group. More vaccine will slowly become available. It will take time, so we ask for patience in the midst of the excitement. We will continue to provide updates on vaccination as things evolve.

Even as vaccination begins, it is important for everyone to keep following public health recommendations to slow the spread of COVID-19: wear a mask, stay 6 feet from others, wash your hands often, and stay home if sick.

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COVID-19 Stories of Community Outreach and Partnership

COVID-19 Stories of Community Outreach and Partnership highlight the efforts of our staff in collaboration with community partners during the COVID-19 response. Some stories provide insight into how this work is done, others discuss what challenges our teams face, but all of them recognize how COVID-19 has pushed MDH to try new strategies so we can fulfill our mission of protecting, maintaining, and improving the health of all Minnesotans.

Writing Guidance for Hmong Funerals during COVID-19

After three months of community engagement, input gathering, and writing, MDH released the “Guidance for Hmong Funerals during COVID-19” in August 2020. This guidance was the result of a collaborative effort of the MDH Asian and Pacific Islander (API) COVID-19 Community Liaison team, several Hmong staff from local public health agencies, community leaders, business leaders, and Hmong cultural and spiritual leaders. This guidance demonstrates the importance and impact of culturally specific health guidance as well as the value of working directly with community members to collaboratively develop health messaging.

The guidance consists of two main sections. First, it concisely summarizes the broad funeral requirements for COVID-19 safety as issued by Minnesota Executive Orders and CDC, such as masking requirements and facility capacity recommendations. Then, it provides detailed, culturally specific information about how these guidelines can be applied in the context of Hmong funeral traditions. These guidelines were written by the Hmong 18 Clan Council and other Hmong cultural and spiritual leaders, and they indicate the minimum practices needed to properly complete a Hmong funeral in one day.

Read more: Writing Guidance for Hmong Funerals during COVID-19

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Guidance and Resources

NEW:

• COVID-19 Vaccine Planning Provider Checklist (PDF)

• Interim COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Guide (PDF)

• Point Prevalence Survey Testing in Acute Care Facilities (PDF)

UPDATED:

• Close Contacts & Tracing

• Quarantine Guidance for COVID-19 (PDF)

• COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Health Professionals

• Protect Yourself & Others: Traveling

• COVID-19 Stories of Community Outreach and Partnership

• Serial Testing of Nursing Facility Staff for COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

EXECUTIVE ORDER 20-103 UPDATES:

• Face Covering Requirements and Recommendations under Executive Order 20-81

• Frequently Asked Questions About the Requirement to Wear Face Coverings

• COVID-19 Youth and Adult Sports under Executive Order 20-103 (PDF)

• COVID-19 Public Pools under Executive Order 20-103 (PDF)

• Music Activities and Performances During COVID-19 (PDF)

• Guidance for Vehicle Gatherings, Parades, and Drive-ins (PDF)

• Gathering Requirements for Celebrations and Significant Life Events (PDF)

• Guidance for Gatherings: Faith-based Communities, Places of Worship, and Ceremonies (PDF)

• Preparedness Plan Requirements for Faith-Based Communities, Places of Worship, Weddings, and Funerals (PDF)

• Planning Funeral and Memorial Services during COVID-19 (PDF)

• Guidance for Hmong Funerals during COVID-19 (PDF)

• Restaurants and Bars under Executive Order 20-103 (PDF)

• Frequently Asked Questions: Bars, Restaurants, and Other Places of Public Accommodation (PDF)

• COVID-19 Guidance for Hotel Managers and Owners (PDF)

• Stay Safe Guidance for Gyms, Studios, and Fitness Centers

• 2020-2021 Planning Guide for Schools: Health Considerations for Navigating COVID-19 (PDF)

• Guidance for Delivering Direct Student Support Services: Staff Protective Equipment (PDF)

• COVID-19 Prevention Guidance for Youth and Student Programs (PDF)

• COVID-19 Prevention Guidance for Overnight Youth Camps (PDF)

NOTE: As new Executive Orders and recommendations are issued, we will review and update the guidance and resources on our website accordingly. Look for an "Updated" date below guidance links to know when the resource was last revised.

Minnesota Helpline

For questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic

651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504

Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.