Friends and neighbors,
The Coronavirus has upended most of our lives in ways almost nobody anticipated. Governments around the state, the country, and even the world are taking sometimes-drastic steps in order to prevent the virus from taking hold. Some areas are doing a better job of this than others.
In Minnesota, the number of confirmed cases remains reasonably low, though testing limitations suggest that our numbers could be higher. But for the moment, Minnesota is having more success at making sure hospitals are not overrun like they have been in countries like Italy.
So far, Gov. Walz has issued a number of executive orders to slow the spread of the virus, including orders declaring a peacetime emergency, temporarily closing schools, and shuttering many businesses, like bars and restaurants for dine-in service.
Helpful Resources:
I have received a number of questions from constituents asking for resources to help them get through the pandemic. Here are a few of the more commonly requested ones:
- Unemployment benefits will be expedited for workers impacted by the Coronavirus.
- The Small Business Administration is making disaster assistance available to impacted small business owners.
- In addition, Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is making emergency loans available as well.
- DEED also has helpful information for workers and information for business owners.
- MNsure is clarifying insurance options for those experiencing a change in income or unemployment.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I know many of you probably have a number of questions about the virus, like what the basic symptoms are, how it spreads, and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones. The Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention both have comprehensive pages that will answer most of these questions for you.
What Can You Do?
Finally, there are also a number of precautions each of us can take every day:
First, practice social distancing. By now, we are all familiar with them term. Essentially, it means stay home except when you need to get food, gas, or other supplies. If you have to go out, keep a reasonable distance from everyone else.
Second, you can “Do the 5.” These are 5 simple things you can do:
- HANDS: Wash them often.
- ELBOW: Cough into it.
- FACE: Don’t touch it.
- FEET: Stay more than 6 feet apart.
- FEEL Sick? Stay home.
And of course, no matter how long this situation lasts, I will always be here working for you. You can contact me any time at 651-296-2159 or sen.warren.limmer@senate.mn.