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															| Dear Neighbors, Today, Governor Walz and Minnesota Department of Health held a press conference to discuss further steps being taken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota. To protect public health and slow the rate of transmission, the Minnesota Department of Health recommends implementing the following mitigation strategies: Postponing or Canceling Certain EventsThese events include: 
																Large events of 250 or more people should be postponed or canceled 
																
																	This includes but is not limited to concerts, conferences, and professional, college, and school performances or sporting eventsSmaller events that are held in venues that do not allow social distancing of 6 feet per person 
																
																	This includes gatherings in crowded auditoriums, rooms or other venuesEvents where the majority of participants are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should be limited to no more than 10 people 
																
																	This includes gatherings at retirement facilities, assisted living facilities, developmental homes, and health support groups 
															 
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															| Individuals and Families at Home
																Monitor local information about COVID-19 in your communityPractice personal protective measures, including keeping social distance of at least 6 feet and washing hands frequentlyPut household preparation plan in action Individuals at higher risk for severe illness should avoid large gatherings, avoid travel, and stay home as much as possible 
															 
 Schools and Childcare Centers
																Cancel or postpone all large events and gatherings of more than 250 peopleLimit school-to-school eventsProvide alternative learning environments for high-risk childrenSick students and staff should stay home until symptom-free for at least one day 
															 
 Assisted Living Facilities, Senior Living Facilities, and Adult Day Programs 
																Implement social distancing measuresReduce large gatheringsAlter schedules to reduce mixing, such as staggering meals and other activitiesHave residents stay in facilityLimit visitors and programs with external staffScreen attendees, staff, and visitors for temperature and respiratory symptoms If cases occur among staff or residents, consider short-term closures for cleaning and contact tracing 
															 
 Workplaces
																Encourage staff to telework when feasibleImplement social distancing measures if not teleworking, including requiring at least 6 feet between workers, staggering work schedules, and limiting in-person meetings or gatheringsLimit non-emergency work travelConsider temperature and respiratory symptom screening of staff and visitors entering buildings Require workers who are ill to stay homeProvide accommodation for individuals at higher risk for severe illness, such as teleworking or separate office 
															 
 Community and Faith-Based Organizations 
																Follow general guidance for group gatherings 
																Consider offering video or audio of eventsDetermine ways to continue providing support services to individuals at increased risk of severe disease 
															 
 You can also find the Governor's legislative proposals to better prepare our health care system and provide relief to Minnesotans affected by COVID-19:   
 
															 
 The situation is evolving quickly and I continue to monitor it closely. I'll be in touch with more information as it becomes available.  Sincerely, Ginny Klevorn State Representative  |  |  |  |    |