Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan are committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have taken decisive action to curb the spread of COVID-19, support health care providers and facilities, and mitigate the impact on Minnesota families. On this page you will find the latest press releases, statements, and other information on COVID-19.
4/8/2020 10:02:16 AM
[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz last night signed H.F. 4537, expanding workers’ compensation eligibility for emergency first responders and front-line workers. The bill now allows front-line workers to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if they test positive for COVID-19.
“Minnesotans came together – labor organizations, businesses, Democrats, and Republicans – to move this legislation forward,” said Governor Walz. “Our first responders and front-line workers are making tremendous sacrifices – and it’s our duty to protect them as best we can. This law does exactly that.”
“We are here for our first responders and health care workers who are fighting non-stop to keep Minnesotans safe,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “I’m proud of the tireless, bipartisan work at the legislature that went into getting this agreement.”
H.F. 4537 expands eligibility for front-line workers including doctors and nurses, firefighters, paramedics, police, long-term care workers, home health workers, correctional officers, and child care providers by creating the presumption that a COVID-19 infection is work-related unless the employer is able to prove that infection happened elsewhere.
