As Cases Fall and Vaccination Ramps up, Governor Walz Adjusts COVID-19 Mitigation Measures
As Minnesota continues to make progress vaccinating Minnesotans and slowing the spread of COVID-19, Governor Walz today announced that on March 15 Minnesotans can begin safely gathering with more friends and loved ones, supporting Minnesota’s small businesses, and visiting large venues.
As vaccines have an impact, life is slowly returning to normal. In February, Governor Walz announced a plan to return more students to the classroom, and 90 percent of schools now offer in-person learning, while 60 percent of teachers have been vaccinated. Minnesota is weeks ahead of schedule on vaccinations. Nearly 1.2 million Minnesotans and more than 70 percent of seniors have gotten a shot.
More information on the state’s response to COVID-19 is available here.
Governor Walz Expands Vaccine Eligibility as State Reaches Goal of 70% of Seniors Vaccinated
Newly eligible Minnesotans include those with underlying health conditions and essential frontline workers
On Tuesday, Governor Walz announced that Minnesota is expanding vaccine eligibility as the state reaches its goal of vaccinating 70% of Minnesotans 65 years of age and older this week. The announcement comes several weeks ahead of schedule after the state moved quickly to use more vaccine from the federal government.
As a result, the state has expanded eligibility to the next two phases of Minnesotans at once. Providers have been directed to prioritize people in the first of these phases, which includes Minnesotans with specific underlying health conditions; food processing plant workers; and Minnesotans with rare conditions or disabilities that put them at higher risk of severe illness. Providers will then have the flexibility to provide available appointments to other eligible Minnesotans.
Governor Walz: More Than 90% of Districts and Charter Schools Offering In-Person Learning
On Monday, Governor Tim Walz announced that more than 90% of districts and charter schools in Minnesota are offering their students some form of in-person learning.
“Across the state, Minnesota’s students are heading back to the classroom. As a former classroom teacher of more than 20 years and as a parent, I know how critical in-person learning is to a child’s wellbeing, and I am proud of this milestone,” said Governor Walz. “With more than one million Minnesotans vaccinated against COVID-19 and our students back in the classroom, the light at the end of this pandemic grows brighter every day.”
Governor Walz: Minnesota Ready to Roll Up Our Sleeves, Accelerate Vaccinations
On Thursday, Governor Walz released the below statement following President Joe Biden’s national address:
“Minnesota is ready. The President’s announcement tonight is the shot in the arm we all need. With a strong federal partner, and the work we have done in Minnesota to prepare, we are ready to meet this moment and end this pandemic.”
“From a stable and growing supply of vaccine, to reliable information, to a comprehensive national strategy, President Biden and his team have given us the tools we need to get shots into arms as quickly as possible.”
“In the past month, we have made extraordinary progress. Nearly 1.2 million Minnesotans have the shot, and almost 650,000 are fully vaccinated. We beat our goal by weeks and got more than 70% of seniors vaccinated. More Minnesotans are now eligible for the vaccine and we are getting more than 40,000 shots into arms each day.”
“Like spring in Minnesota, hope is on the horizon. To end this pandemic and get back to everything we love, we need all Minnesotans to roll up your sleeves and get your shot when it’s your turn.”
Governor Tim Walz Declares ‘Nic Zapko Day’ in Minnesota
Governor Walz Tuesday declared March 9, 2021 as Nic Zapko Day in the State of Minnesota to recognize her service to Minnesota during the COVID-19 pandemic. In her role as an ASL translator for near-daily press conferences, Nic has gained local and national fame for her fast, animated, and accurate delivery of critical information.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented need for Minnesotans to receive clear, timely, and accurate public health information. 20% of Minnesotans identify as deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing, and this proclamation recognizes the significance of Nic Zapko’s role in providing critical ASL translation.
U.S. News & World Report Names Minnesota Second Best State in the Nation
U.S. News & World Report has named Minnesota as the second best state in the nation. The Best States rankings evaluate how well each state serves their residents across a range of categories, including education, health care, and infrastructure. Minnesota is the only state to rank in the top three every year since U.S. News began ranking the Best States in 2017. This year, the state ranked in the top 10 for opportunity (#2), infrastructure (#9), and natural environment (#10).
“There is a reason Minnesota continually ranks as one of the best states in the nation,” said Governor Tim Walz. “After an extraordinarily challenging year, our investments in education, health care, and local communities continue to make Minnesota a great place to live, work, and raise a family. I am committed to working across the aisle again this legislative session to invest in the things that make life better for Minnesotans across the state.”
Governor Walz Statement on Signing of American Rescue Plan
On Thursday, Governor Walz released the following statement after President Joe Biden signed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan that funds a national vaccination plan, delivers immediate relief to working families and small businesses, and provides $350 billion for state and local governments.
“After one of the most challenging years in our Nation’s history, The American Rescue Plan is a historic achievement that delivers the support that families and small businesses urgently need to recover and rebuild. The scale of the economic and public health consequences brought by COVID-19 are far beyond the ability of any state or local government to repair alone. Our DFLers in Congress saw the need to work together to help the American people – and help is now on the way.”
“I’m grateful for the Representatives in Minnesota’s Congressional Delegation who voted for this plan and acted with the speed and decisiveness this moment requires.”
- State to expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, roughly 70% of Minnesota’s seniors now vaccinated (KSTP)
- Our View: COVID: Walz plan continues to show success (Mankato Free Press)
- Gov. Tim Walz honors ASL interpreter Nic Zapko on birthday (Star Tribune)
- Gov. Walz paves way for thousands to attend sporting events (Pioneer Press)
- President Biden says states should make vaccines available to all by May, Walz says Minnesota is ready (Bring Me the News)