Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: January 8, 2021

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Statements on Attempted Insurrection at United States Capitol


On Wednesday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan released statements responding to the attempted insurrection at the United States Capitol.

“I see the events unfolding in our nation’s capital today not just as a Governor, but as a former high school history teacher. The last time our nation’s capital was under siege was more than 200 years ago when our country was at war with the British,” said Governor Walz.

“Today, it wasn’t a foreign nation that seized the capitol building and attempted an insurrection. It was citizens of our own country, incited by our president and enabled by many political leaders, who made a direct assault on our democracy.”

“In my classroom, I taught my students to see moments like this in a greater historical context. We must do that reflection today. President Trump has fanned the flames of hatred and undermined the sacred American institutions he swore an oath of office to protect. And whether it was through the support or silence of other politicians, he didn’t do it alone.”

“We must recognize that democracy cannot be taken for granted. We ask our soldiers to endanger their lives to defend our democracy abroad—we all have a duty to protect it here at home. That means toning down our rhetoric, bridging divides, and upholding our Democratic ideals.”

“History is being written today. What will our future students read about this moment in their textbooks? It’s on us to ensure today is the end of a chapter. And marks the beginning of when America stood up and stood together.”


As COVID-19 Situation Improves, Governor Walz Loosens Restrictions



Minnesotans’ sacrifice and commitment to their communities helped change the pandemic’s trajectory and saved lives. On Wednesday, Governor Walz and his team cautiously adjusted the dials to help Minnesotans return to important elements of their daily lives, and we continue to monitor where we stand.

Two months ago the pandemic quickly snowballed from manageable to out-of-control. For our students, our small businesses, and public health, we cannot allow that to happen again. More information on these new measures is available at mn.gov/covid19/.


Governor Walz Visits COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for First Responders


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Today, Governor Walz visited a COVID-19 vaccine clinic at Wayzata High School where EMS-certified first responders received the Moderna vaccine. Minnesota has now administered the vaccine to over 100,000 health care workers and Minnesotans most susceptible to COVID-19.


Governor Walz Urges Minnesotans to Download Minnesota’s COVID-19 Exposure Notification App

Now more than ever, we need your help to share the news about COVIDaware MN. As Minnesota opens up, make sure your friends & families understand their COVID-19 exposure risk. COVIDaware MN notifies you if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, and you can anonymously alert others if you test positive. 

Get the COVIDaware MN app from the App Store or Google Play Store. 


Governor Walz Opens Application Process to Select New Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Commerce


Thursday, Governor Walz announced an application process to select a new Commissioner to lead the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

The Department of Commerce is the state’s consumer protection agency. Commerce oversees more than 20 regulated industries, including insurance, financial institutions, energy, real estate, and telecommunications, investigates consumer complaints on fraud, and ensures the accuracy of commercial and grocery store scales and gasoline pumps across the state.


Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Encourage Minnesotans to Get Tested for COVID-19 


Any time we’re around other people, there’s a chance for COVID-19 to spread. Fortunately, getting tested is quick and easy. Find a community testing site near you or order an at-home saliva test after gathering with others so we can slow the spread.