Minnesotans adjust to “Stay at Home” directive

On Wednesday, March 25, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order directing Minnesotans to stay at home and limit non-essential movements outside of their homes for two weeks, from March 27 through April 10, in an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 

The order extends the closure of bars and restaurants, and other public entertainment venues, and barber and beauty shops, salons and spas through May 1.

It also authorizes the Commissioner of Education to implement a distance learning period beginning Monday, March 30 through May 4.

This was anticipated, so teachers and administrators at both Cedar Mountain and GFW Schools have been working hard to redesign lesson plans and work through the challenges of teaching from a distance. 

Students and teachers reconnected Monday morning through various online methods, and while the current order ends May 4, it’s entirely possible that the rest of the school year will be conducted this way, depending on how much the ‘Stay at Home’ directive slows the spread of the virus.

As of Monday, March 30, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 continues to rise. The total number of confirmed cases in Minnesota has risen to 576. One week ago, on March 23, that number was 235.

The total number of cases that have required hospitalization thus far is 92. Fifty-six remain hospitalized with 24 of those in an intensive care unit. Minnesota reports 10 deaths that are attributed to COVID-19.

Across the US, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there are 140,904 confirmed cases, and 2,405 deaths attributed to the virus. 

On March 1, there were 30 confirmed cases in the US.  The virus is spreading at an alarming rate. Governor Walz continues to note, in his daily press conference calls, that we will not be able to stop the spread of the virus. The idea behind the “Stay at Home” directive is to slow the spread down, so that when it does reach its peak, the hospitals and healthcare systems can handle the load and care for the patients who need it effectively.

So what does ‘non-essential movements’ mean and when is it okay to leave your home?

The list of activities that are permitted include:

-Health and Safety activities;

-Outdoor activities (as long as social distancing is maintained);

-Obtaining necessary supplies and services (i.e. you can go to the grocery store or the pharmacy);

-Essential and interstate travel;

-Caring for others;

-Relocation to ensure safety

-Working at a job that provides an ‘essential service’.

The Governor is requesting that Minnesotans voluntarily stay at home, but he also indicated that people will not be arrested or ticketed for not complying with the request. 

The state is working hard to help employees who have been impacted financially by the pandemic, extending unemployment, pushing out the tax deadlines, etc. They are also working to build out hospital capacity, increase testing, addressing the shortage of personal protective equipment for health care workers and keeping a close eye on the models that tell them which of these strategies are working and which ones are not.

There are many resources available online that can answer questions you may have about this new directive. Visit mn.gov/stayhomemn for information and frequently asked questions.

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