The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota.
Members of the disability community are rightfully concerned about the impact of COVID-19. Please know that the Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) has been working closely with Minnesota state leaders in preparation through the COVID-19 interagency task force and two advisory committees to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
It is critical that all of us do our part to slow the spread of this virus including:
- Stay home if you have cold or flu-like symptoms and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into your sleeve, and then throwing the tissue in the trash.
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom or before eating. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose and mouth – with unwashed hands.
Resources
- The most accurate and up-to-date sources of information are on the Minnesota Department of Health’s website and the Center for Disease Control website.
- Follow travel guidance on the CDC website.
- The Ready.gov website offers tools to help you make and practice a preparedness plan.
- The Minnesota Council on Disability has a toolkit on our website for people with disabilities to prepare an emergency plan.
- A hotline for the public has been established by the Minnesota Department of Health: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903. The number is staffed from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm daily.
- A hotline for school, child care, and business questions has also been established: 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504. The number is staffed from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm daily.
- Accessible COVID-19 Statistics Tracker
Waivers Under Peacetime Emergency Authority
Under the Governor’s Emergency Executive Order 20-12 (PDF), the Minnesota Department of Human Services has temporary authority to waive or modify requirements so that the agency and its partners can continue to provide essential programs and services to Minnesotans safely and without undue delay during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A list of all waivers and modifications currently in effect is posted at the DHS website.It will be updated as necessary. As conditions continue to evolve, we encourage you to monitor the DHS website and sign up for email notifications.
Operational instructions for counties, tribes, managed care organizations and providers related to these changes will be communicated separately to people affected by specific temporary changes.
Things to Consider
As the Minnesota Department of Health continues to issue guidance on effective social distancing to slow the spread of the virus, please consider how community intervention measures may affect your day to day living:
- The delivery of disability services like PCAs, transportation services, and sign language interpreting may be dramatically impacted.
- Talk with your family, friends and neighbors and have an emergency plan ready.
- If you are able to, consider stockpiling 14-30 days of essential household supplies for your home.
Stay Informed
The Minnesota Department of Health’s website and the Center for Disease Control website contains the most accurate and up-to-date information on the COVID-19 outbreak. The Minnesota Council on Disability will continue to monitor the situation and communicate important information to our community when necessary.
Thank you and please remember that MCD serves as a resource for you. Please get in touch with your questions and concerns at https://www.disability.state.mn.us/ or 651-361-7800.