Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Updates: May 20, 2020

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Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Updates

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Minnesota Department of Health

May 20, 2020

Minnesota News and Outreach

Today, Governor Walz announced a phased plan to safely reopen restaurants, bars, and personal care services. Beginning on June 1, 2020:

Restaurants and bars can reopen for outdoor service only:

  • Location: Outdoors
  • Capacity: No more than 50 customers; 6 feet of distance must be maintained
  • Reservations: Required
  • Masks: Required for workers, strongly recommended for customers

Hair salons, barbershops, and tattoo parlors can reopen to provide indoor services:

  • Capacity: No more than 25%; 6 feet of distance except when providing services
  • Appointments: Required
  • Masks: Required for workers and customers
StaySafeMN Coming June 1: Bars and restaurants open for patio and outdoor services

Minnesota has made good progress on slowing the spread of COVID-19. As we continue the process of reopening our economy and returning to work and activities we enjoy, we must continue social distancing practices to save lives and stay safe.

For more information, visit:


Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Materials

We are adding new videos, print materials, and translated documents often. Check out the pages below to view, download, or print these resources.

COVID-19 Translated Materials

Materials and Resources for COVID-19 Response

Videos for COVID-19 Response


The situation is changing rapidly. Visit Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for the most up-to-date information and follow MDH on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram to stay informed.

What's New

Mask Do's and Don'ts

Masks or cloth face coverings can help with preventing your germs from infecting others – especially in situations where you may spread the virus without symptoms.

Wearing a mask does not protect you from others who may spread the virus. You still need to wash your hands frequently, cover your cough, and practice social distancing by keeping at least 6 feet of space between people.

COVID-19 Mask Do's and Don'ts

Some people with health conditions might not be able to wear a mask, so be kind and wear a mask if you can.

Not sure how to buy, make, wear, or remove a mask correctly? Watch our new COVID-19 Masks Do's and Don'ts video at Videos for COVID-19 Response


Emergency Medical Services Week

Minnesota’s EMS community includes emergency physicians, physician assistants, emergency nurses, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, emergency medical responders, firefighters, law enforcement personnel, emergency medical dispatchers, educators, and administrators. EMS personnel provide a critical service and live-saving care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Thank you to all the front-line responders in the COVID-19 battle, risking their health and safety to care for and transport those in need.


Research Studies

COVID-19 Research Studies in Minnesota has links to research efforts that are currently underway to improve our understanding of COVID-19. On this page, you will find links to some clinical trials and other studies that are recruiting participants from Minnesota, as well as links to other studies being done in Minnesota to get a better picture of the trends and impact of COVID-19.

Note: MDH is providing links to help people find opportunities to be involved in research studies that may apply to them. MDH is not involved in these research studies.

COVID-19 Public Hotlines

Questions about COVID-19?

Health questions:
651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903
Weekdays: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Weekend: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Schools and child care questions:
651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504
Weekdays: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Weekend: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.