COVID-19 MN State Updates

With confirmed community spreading of COVID-19 in Minnesota and throughout the Midwest, AFSCME members can expect to see major disruptions in their work places and daily lives. We advice members to follow local news, and the MN Department of Health, for the most up to date informaition in their area.  We will also do our best to provide important up to date information and helpful resources here for our members and their families.  If you need to reach us please email us at [email protected] or call us at 1-888-474-3242.

March 25th 2020 Updates:

Governor's Executive Order 20-20

Governor Walz has issued what is commonly refered to as a "Shelter in Place" order for Minnesota to take effect 11:59pm Friday, March 27th, 2020 through at least 5:00pm Friday April 10th, 2020. Click the link above for the full order and more detailed information.  Effectively all Minnesotan's are ordered to stay at home or residence except in the following exceptions:

  • Relocation to ensure safety
  • Health and safety activities (Trips to the pharmacy, medical, dental or veterinarian services)
  • Outdoor activities (Normal outdoor exercise and activities provided you can maintain adequate social distancing)
  • Necessary supplies and services (Food, beverages, gas and supplies needed to work from home). 
  • Essential intrastate and interstate travel (travel for listed activities adn return to home)
  • Care of others (family friend or pets in other households, including shared parenting schedules)
  • Displacement(Anyone experiencing homelessness may move between emergency shelters)

Exemptions--Critical Sectors.  Critical service workers may travel from their residence to their place of work if the specific work duties cannot be performed from their residence. Travel May include transportation to and from child care or school settings as necessary. 

Click here to see a summary of Critical Sector workers exempt from Executive Order 20-20

March 18th 2020 Updates:

Governor's Executive Order 20-07

  • Due to the seriousness of the situation Governor Walz has ordered that certain collective bargaining rights for state agency employees.
  • The order grants the state flexibility in scheduling and assigning work, work that is changing every hour and day.  
  • Currently this order only applies to state agencies, therefore few or none of Council 65's members will be affected.  This is an unprecidented action that shows the magnitude of the current situation.  We will not get in the way of the governments response, but we will stand up to any abuse of these emergency measures. 
  • Click here to read the joint statement from AFSCME Coucil 5 and MAPE who represent the majority of state employees. 

AFSCME 65  Updates

  • Until further notice, AFSCME 65's offices in Minnesota and South Dakota are closed to the public.  If you have questions or need to speak with a staff member please email us at [email protected] or call us at 1-888-474-3242.
  • Due to CDC Guidlines against events with 50+ attendees we will be canceling our Council 65 Day on the Hill on April 23rd.  We will be reaching out to members with opportunities to contact their legislators about the Government response to this crisis.
  • Individual locals are to consider the most current Dept. of Health and CDC guidlines when determining whether they will continue to hold their meetings.  AFSCME staff can assist in setting up remote meetings as needed.
  • We are continuing to provide representation to our locals and members.  We are working closely with our partners through the AFL-CIO to make sure the government response works for all Minnesotans, regardless of where you live, where your from, or whats in your wallet. 

Minnesota News & Resources:

Other Helpful Links: