Legislative Update- April 10, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Today, Minnesota Department of Health and University of Minnesota School of Public Health scientists outlined the modeling being used to project how quickly COVID-19 could spread in the state under different constraints and how many deaths and hospitalizations are likely to occur in each scenario. The data from the modeling is being used by the Walz Administration to inform decisions about the state's COVID-19 response, including his recent extension of the Stay at Home order until May 4.

The Governor’s recent announcement will allow Minnesota to build new hospital capacity, buy ventilators and masks, plan for how to protect those most at risk, expand testing, and free up time for health care giants like the Mayo Clinic to develop critical treatments for the virus. Read more about what this means for you and your family here.

I am impressed with the Governor’s commitment to slowing the COVID-19 spread, saving lives, and protecting our local economy and small businesses. The Walz Administration this week added occupations to the “Critical Sector Descriptions” that are now exempt from the Stay at Home order and can work immediately. These include the following workers and employers:

• Lawncare and landscaping workers;
• Workers supporting garden centers or stores, provided that such centers or stores adhere to guidance provided by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture;
• Workers supporting florists for the sale for delivery only of perishable plant stock. Workers delivering perishable plant stock are strongly encouraged to drop off product at the front door of nursing homes and hospitals to avoid contact with vulnerable populations.

As more types of businesses are added (when it’s deemed safe by public scientists), I will continue to keep you updated.

Wishing you and yours a blessed Passover, Easter, or start to Ramadan.

Sincerely,

Cheryl