Tag: Gov. Walz

Poll: Minnesotans support stay-at-home restrictions as fear of the virus persists

More than two-thirds of Minnesotans say they won’t return to normal rhythms of daily life, and many believe the worst is yet to come, according to a new Minnesota Poll.

More than two-thirds of Minnesotans say they won’t return to normal rhythms of daily life even though some social distancing restrictions have been relaxed, and many believe the worst of the corona­virus pandemic is yet to come, according to a new Star Tribune/MPR News/KARE 11 poll.

As anxiety about the virus persists, the poll also found a majority of people support the stay-at-home restrictions and business closures they lived under for nearly two months and say they were necessary to limit the spread of the virus in their communities.

In the poll of 800 registered voters — conducted May 18 through May 20 — 57% of respondents said the restrictions are the right approach to prevent the coronavirus from spreading, while 32% said they have gone too far. Only 9% said the restrictions did not go far enough. Despite partisan divisions, a majority of independents also support the restrictions. Continue reading.

Poll Showing MN Supports Governor Walz’s Safety Measures

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – On Saturday, the Star Tribune, MPR, and KARE 11 released a poll finding extremely widespread support for the public safety measures enacted by the Walz administration to protect Minnesotans from the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak.

The poll found that a sizable majority of Minnesotans, 57%, supported the Stay at Home Order enacted by Governor Walz while another 9% expressed support for further safety measures. Only 32% expressed their opposition to these public safety precautions.

Taken together, 66% of Minnesotans support a response to COVID-19 that centers the health and well-being of the people of Minnesota. Additionally, roughly 74% of Minnesotans have personally worn masks when leaving their homes in the past week, a safety precaution that Republican elected officials have largely spurned.   Continue reading “Poll Showing MN Supports Governor Walz’s Safety Measures”

Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 24, 2020

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May 24, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 4:30 PM on 5/24/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan remain committed to protecting Minnesotans’ health and safety through this unprecedented public health crisis. Below is a recap of the previous week, which included moving into the next phases of Stay Safe MN.

Week in Review

On Monday, May 18 we moved into the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic: Stay Safe MN. Friends and families can gather in groups of 10 or less, as long as safety measures are taken, such as wearing masks, washing hands, and staying six feet apart at all times. Shops across Main Street Minnesota can open if they have a safe social distancing plan and operate at 50% capacity. With these measures, the Walz-Flanagan Administration took additional steps to protect the most vulnerable and our state’s workers. The Governor and Lt. Governor also discussed the end of the 2020 the legislative session.

On Tuesday, May 19 Governor Walz ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings from sunrise until sunset on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, and the 19th of every month through 2020, to remember and honor the lives lost due to COVID-19. Department of Health officials also underlined the importance of continuing well-child visits, noting a troubling drop in routine vaccinations. As our health system battles COVID-19, it’s important to continue these regular visits, which stop preventable diseases and help keep children healthy. Continue reading “Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 24, 2020”

Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 22, 2020

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May 22, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 5:00 PM on 5/22/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Walz announced that Minnesotans who need or want to be tested for COVID-19 will be able to access free testing at six National Guard Armory locations across Minnesota throughout the Memorial Day holiday weekend: Saturday, May 23, through Monday, May 25.

“Testing, tracing, and isolating are the best ways to both understand the impact of the pandemic on our communities and to contain it, so we can continue safely reopening our state,” said Governor Walz. “I am grateful the Minnesota National Guard is helping with this important effort as we continue to navigate this pandemic.” Continue reading “Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 22, 2020”

Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 22, 2020

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May 21, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 6:00 PM on 5/21/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Today, leaders from the Minnesota Department of Health provided an update on our Administration’s response to COVID-19 in long-term care facilities. Significant work has been done to stand up the Governor’s Five-Point Battle Plan over the last several weeks, including: Continue reading “Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 22, 2020”

Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 20, 2020

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Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 7:00 PM on 5/20/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Governor Tim Walz today announced the next phases in his Stay Safe Plan, including a cautious, strategic turn of the dial to allow limited outdoor dining at restaurants and bars starting June 1. The Governor also announced  salons and barbershops will be allowed to open June 1 at 25 percent occupancy to ensure the safety of both the employees and the customers inside. In both industries, customers are either strongly recommended or required to wear masks, make reservations, and adhere to social distancing requirements to keep themselves, other customers, and employees safe.

“Our restaurants and bars are an integral part of the social fabric of Minnesota, and it has been heartbreaking to see this pandemic wreak havoc on our hospitality industry,” said Governor Walz. “While the virus won’t yet allow for business as usual, let’s do what we do best after winter in Minnesota and head outside. Whether it’s a Jucy Lucy, a plate of tamales, or a walleye dinner, Minnesotans can support their local restaurant by enjoying a socially distanced meal outdoors.” Continue reading “Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 20, 2020”

Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 19, 2020

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May 19, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 8:00 PM on 5/19/2020.

Updates from the Governor

There have been more than 700 deaths in Minnesota due to COVID-19. Each and every life lost is dearly missed by a community of parents, children, co-workers, friends, and neighbors. To remember and honor the lives lost due to COVID-19, Governor Walz ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings from sunrise until sunset on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, and the 19th of every month through 2020.

We know that deaths due to COVID-19 are disproportionately affecting Indigenous communities, the elderly, individuals with pre-existing conditions and disabilities, people of color, and people experiencing homelessness. Now more than ever, Minnesotans must come together to support Minnesotans who are most vulnerable to this virus. This means: Continue reading “Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 19, 2020”

Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 17, 2020

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Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 7:00 PM on 5/17/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan remain committed to protecting Minnesotans’ health and safety through this unprecedented public health crisis. Below is a recap of the previous week, which included announcing the next phase of our response to this pandemic, Stay Safe MN, which takes effect tomorrow, Monday, May 18.

Week in Review

On Monday, May 11 Governor Walz signed an Executive Order allowing students in critical care sectors to attend classes for needed in-person training or testing in order to graduate. The Executive Order will fill workforce shortages by accelerating entry into critical sectors for up to 1,000 students that will serve Minnesota’s most vulnerable populations. Department of Health officials also highlighted the importance of Minnesotans’ participation in case investigations to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Continue reading “Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 17, 2020”

Governor Walz Signs Tobacco 21 Legislation into Law

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, Governor Walz signed into law legislation that raises the age for Minnesotans to purchase tobacco, tobacco products, electronic delivery devices, and other nicotine products, to 21.

“Adopting statewide Tobacco 21 is urgently needed to provide clarity, accountability, and to make it easier for our state and local partners to help in standing up to Big Tobacco for our youth,” said Rep. Heather Edelson (DFL-Edina), the House chief author of the bill.

In December of 2019, Tobacco 21 became federal law, which meant the minimum age required to legally purchase tobacco products increased from 18 to 21 for the entire country. At the time, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) directed retailers to immediately implement the change. Some retailers, however, have expressed confusion and insisted they will not comply until they see the change made at the state level.

The initiative has a strong bipartisan coalition of support among health care professionals, ClearWay Minnesota, youth organizations, and several Minnesota cities who have already enacted Tobacco 21 locally.

Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 16, 2020

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May 16, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 8:00 PM on 5/16/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Tim Walz signed 11 bills into law, including measures to raise the age to purchase tobacco to 21 and make Minnesota the first state to prohibit the use of the toxic and long-lasting chemical trichloroethylene (TCE)

At the end of the day, our job is to keep Minnesotans safe,” said Governor Walz. “These strong bipartisan measures will improve public health and reduce preventable health risks. Raising the age to buy tobacco to 21 will help stop addiction before it starts and save young lives.”

The Governor’s bill signing today included:

Tobacco 21

  • Raises the age for Minnesotans to purchase tobacco, tobacco products, electronic delivery devices, and other nicotine products to 21.

Continue reading “Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 16, 2020”