Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: November 13, 2020 , CD3 DFL

As Hospitals Express Capacity Concerns, Governor Walz Announces New COVID-19 Restrictions

Since the beginning of this pandemic, the Walz-Flanagan Administration has followed the best data available to protect Minnesotans from the spread of COVID-19. That’s why this week Governor Walz announced targeted, science-based changes to get the spread of the virus under control so we can care for those who fall ill, get kids in the classroom, and keep businesses open.

The Walz-Flanagan Administration, with guidance from the White House, has spent countless hours analyzing testing results and contract tracing data to understand by who, when, and where this virus is moving around our state.

They found that 18-35 year olds make up a disproportionate number of cases and that over 70% of outbreaks from the last 6 months have a direct link back to weddings, private social gatherings, and late nights at bars and restaurants. These events get riskier the later it gets.

Starting today, bars and restaurants must end dine-in service at 10pm, and bar seating and service will be closed.

Second, there will be a 10-person limit for indoor and outdoor gatherings starting Friday, and all social gatherings will be limited to members of three households or less.

And third, capacity limits for receptions related to weddings, funerals, and similar events will be phased in, but will eventually have a 25-person cap. Receptions and similar events also must not take place between 10pm-4am.

Governor Walz knows that small businesses are struggling as they do their part to help slow the spread of COVID-19. This week, Governor Walz also announced $10 million in support so they can pay their workers and their bills.

As Virus Surges Across Midwest, Governor Walz Extends Peacetime Emergency

On Thursday, as COVID-19 surges across the Midwest and Minnesota experiences a record number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, Governor Walz extended the COVID-19 peacetime emergency that gives the state flexibility in responding to the pandemic.

“COVID-19 is taking a deadly toll on our communities and putting a strain on our health care system,” said Governor Walz. “As cases rise throughout the Midwest, it’s more important than ever that we have access to tools to fight this pandemic and protect Minnesotans’ health and well-being.”

The announcement comes as hospitals express concern about their capacity to treat Minnesotans with COVID-19 and as Minnesota experiences record-setting highs in new cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. Minnesota’s case positivity rate is above 10 percent, twice the level at which COVID-19 spread is considered controllable. Minnesota’s neighboring states have the highest infection rates in the nation, and 48 other states remain in a state of emergency.

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Announce Significant Expansion in Statewide COVID-19 Testing Access

On Monday, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced a significant expansion in COVID-19 testing access, with the addition of more than a dozen new testing locations opening across the state over the next two weeks. All of the new testing sites will continue to offer free, “no barrier” COVID-19 testing. Testing will be free and available to anyone who wants to be tested whether they have symptoms or not, and it will not require insurance.

The expansion in access to testing also includes the opening of 11 sites operated by the Minnesota National Guard that will remain open through at least the end of the year, in partnership with local public health staff. These 11 sites will offer a mix of saliva and nasal PCR tests. Additionally, the state opened its 9th saliva testing site on Thursday, Nov. 12 at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.

Additionally, the COVID-19 Test at Home program is now available to all Minnesotans across the state. This is an expansion from the pilot, which was previously made available in 23 counties and the Red Lake Nation.

Governor Walz Announces End to Veteran Homelessness in Five Suburban Metro Area Counties

On Wednesday, Governor Walz, a 24-year veteran of the National Guard, announced that five suburban metro area counties have received federal designation for ending veteran homelessness. The designation, given to the Suburban Metro Area Continuum of Care (SMAC), includes Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Scott, and Washington counties.

The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) determined that the five counties served by SMAC have effectively ended homelessness among veterans, becoming the sixth of 10 jurisdictions in the state of Minnesota to do so. The West Central, Southwest, Northwest, and Northeast Continuums of Care previously declared an end to veteran homelessness in 2017 and 2018. The River Valleys (Southeast) Continuum of Care declared the milestone in 2019. The remaining four Continuums of Care around the state continue to work toward the same goal.

Governor Walz Thanks Veterans for their Service

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Encourage Students to Apply for the Governor’s Internship Program

Though the Governor’s Internship Program looks a little different this year, it is still an exciting and unique opportunity for Minnesota students interested in public service. As an intern in the Office of Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan, you will gain insight into the various paths within public service and learn valuable skills to prepare you for your future career, all while seizing a unique opportunity to give back to the State of Minnesota. Applications for the Spring program close on Friday, December 4, 2020.