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I’m appreciative of the Governor’s commitment to balancing the protection of Minnesotans’ health and our state’s economic vitality. The Governor 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. (This third modification was one I worked on with the Governor and was issued earlier during the Stay at Home directive.)
Abbott Northwestern in Plymouth Accepting PPE Donations
As our health care workers continue the daily battle against COVID-19, Allina Health is seeking additional donations of personal protective equipment (PPE). They are asking for:
- factory-made N95 and ear loop masks
- hand-sewn ear loop masks (instructions for hand-sewn masks are online here)
- headbands with three secure buttons per side (used to attach an ear loop mask for ear protection)
- surgical mask strap extenders, including those made with 3D printers
- isolation gowns
- Nitrile exam gloves
- PAPR hood/shroud
- safety glasses/goggles
- face shields, including those made with 3D printers
- must extend 3 inches below chin to cover mask/respirator
- front is clear plastic and fastens in the back
- shoe covers
- commercial disinfectants including Quat-based sanitizers, bleach and hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectants and unopened disinfectant wipes
Donations can be dropped off Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Abbott Northwestern Hospital – West Health in Plymouth at the Emergency Department entrance.
Securing Workers’ Compensation for our First Responders
On Tuesday, the Legislature passed legislation delivering workers’ compensation benefits to health care and public safety workers who contract COVID-19 in the line of duty. In particular, the legislation provides a presumption that if these workers contract COVID, they did so during the course of their employment and are covered by workers’ comp. Front-line workers covered in the bill include doctors and nurses, firefighters, paramedics, police, long-term care workers, home health workers, correctional officers, and child care providers. You can read my full statement here.
Guidance for Additional $600 UI Payments
I've received many questions about the additional $600 payments in unemployment insurance from the federal government. Yesterday, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has received final guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor to be one of the first states to make these payments. Click here to learn more about what this means for Minnesotans
COVID-19 Financial Assistance for Veterans
This week, Governor Tim Walz announced that Minnesota veterans and surviving spouses impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for one-time financial relief grants in the amount of $1,000. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is now accepting applications from Minnesota veterans who have been financially impacted. You can find out how to apply here.
Stay Connected
Please contact me anytime with questions, input, or to let me know how I can be of assistance to you during these challenging times. I can be reached at 651-296-5511 or by email at rep.ginny.klevorn@house.mn.
It’s an honor to represent our strong and resilient community of Plymouth at the legislature.
Wishing you a blessed Passover or Easter.
Sincerely,
Ginny Klevorn
State Representative
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