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Dear neighbors,
I’d like to thank the voters of District 42B for entrusting me with another two-year term in the Minnesota House of Representatives. I look forward to continuing to serve our community and am happy to be able to supply these updates again now that the election is over.
New Public Health Guidelines
COVID-19 is spreading at record levels across the country, including here in Minnesota. As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations surge, our hospitals are facing a shortage of critical care beds and health care workers able to care for patients. This threatens their capacity to provide care for Minnesotans with COVID-19 and other serious health conditions.
The new public health guidelines that took effect last week will help slow the spread of COVID-19 by restricting riskier activities, primarily those where people gather indoors for longer amounts of time. Under these guidelines, bars and restaurants are only offering takeout and delivery, gyms and entertainment venues are closed, and there is a pause on youth sports. While this is not the same as the stay at home order from earlier this year, Minnesotans should stay home when possible and avoid gathering with people outside of their household.
I know this will be challenging for many Minnesotans, especially with the holidays around the corner, but we all need to do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect our communities. Please stay home if you can, wear a mask, and social distance by at least six feet in addition to following the new public health guidelines.
Yesterday, I joined a bipartisan group of legislators to take the Minnesota Pledge to Defeat COVID-19. We encourage you to join us and to tell your friends and neighbors why you’re taking these basic steps to keep yourself and others safe.
COVID-19 Testing and Tracing
Since COVID-19 rates are so high right now, public health experts are encouraging Minnesotans to get tested whether or not they have any symptoms. Even people with mild or no symptoms can infect others. As always, you should get tested if you have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19.
There are several options for Minnesotans who want to get tested. Free tests are available at community testing sites throughout the state, which are listed here, and Minnesota now offers free saliva tests that can be delivered to your home. You can find more information about all of the COVID-19 testing options here.
Yesterday Governor Walz unveiled a new mobile app to keep Minnesotans safe and informed. COVIDawareMN is a voluntary, anonymous tool that can alert people if someone they’ve been in close contact with – even someone they don’t know – contracts the virus. You can download the free app and learn more here.
I know this is a really hard time for everyone. If you are a constituent and need help accessing basic needs or support services, please contact me at rep.jamie.becker-finn@house.mn or 651-296-7153. Also, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or feedback.
Be well,
Jamie Becker-Finn
State Representative
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