SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Yesterday, a bipartisan group of legislators from the Minnesota House of Representatives announced the Minnesota Pledge to Defeat COVID-19, a social media push to emphasize that the basic steps we can take to help curb the spread of COVID-19 have no partisan affiliation. Ahead of the holiday season, and with Minnesota experiencing a surge in cases, these legislators are asking all Minnesotans to share this message and commit to taking the necessary precautions.
“We’re entering a critical moment in the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota, and how we choose to respond will have a direct impact on our family, friends, and neighbors,” said Rep. Kelly Morrison (DFL – Deephaven), who is also a practicing physician. “The situation is dire, and our public health professionals and healthcare workers are begging us to follow the basic guidelines of COVID prevention because they’ve seen first-hand the consequences of this virus as cases surge. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to sign the Minnesota Pledge to Defeat COVID-19. We all have a role to play in slowing the spread.”
Using the hashtag #TakeThePledgeMN, the pledge asks Minnesotans to double down on their efforts to wear a face mask, maintain social distancing, stay home if sick or exposed to COVID-19, limit the size of gatherings, and to be kind to one another.
“Minnesotans have a role to help protect the vulnerable and slow the spread of COVID-19 across the state,” said Rep. Patrick Garofalo (R-Farmington). “The virus does not care if you’re Republican, Democrat, or Independent. It impacts all of us. Together we will defeat COVID-19, return to normal, and emerge stronger than ever. Until then, please be sure to wear a mask while at public indoor locations, frequently wash your hands, and social distance when possible.”
Other members who participated in today’s launch of the pledge were Rep. Sydney Jordan (DFL – Minneapolis), Rep. Nolan West (R – Blaine), Rep. Erin Koegel (DFL – Spring Lake Park), and Rep. Michael Howard (DFL – Richfield). Minnesotans are encouraged to take part in the social media push by sharing the pledge on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms – including in their posts the reasons why they are taking these steps for their family, friends, and neighbors. Social media graphics and the full text of the pledge can be found here.