Coronavirus: Governor Declares State of Emergency
Minnesota released new measures to combat the spread of coronavirus, as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has grown.
Governor Tim Walz declared a peacetime emergency due to the outbreak. The declaration will help the state respond more rapidly to issues as they arrive. On Friday, the Department of Health announced five more positive tests. All of the cases are related to travel exposure. There’s no evidence yet of community transmission.
“The safety and well-being of Minnesotans is my top priority and we are working around the clock to combat the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Walz in a press release. “I am declaring a peacetime emergency in Minnesota to ensure the State is able to respond more rapidly to issues as they arrive. We’re looking to the future and preparing for the next chapters of this pandemic as it continues to evolve.”
Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm today issued a number of community mitigation strategies, which Governor Walz advises and urges Minnesotans to follow, including:
- Cancel or postpone large events in excess of 250 people gathered together;
- Ensure space for social distancing of six feet per person at smaller events and gatherings (less than 250 people); and
- Limit gatherings with participants at high risk for severe disease to less than 10 people.
Further details on MDH’s recommended community mitigation strategies can be found here.
MSHSL Cancels Postseason Tournaments
MSHSL announced the postseason state tournaments for both boys and girls will be canceled.
The Minnesota State High School girls basketball tournament was set to enter its third day of play with limited attendance, until it was canceled on Friday at 10:45 a.m. The section and state boys basketball tournaments are also called off.
Additionally, adapted floor hockey tournaments have been canceled. For more information, click here.
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