Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: November 21, 2020

Governor Walz Announces Four-Week Dial Back to Control Spread of COVID-19


Throughout this pandemic, the Walz-Flanagan Administration has followed the data on who, when, and where the virus is spreading. Now, that data is moving rapidly and so must Minnesota. As cases skyrocket, the “who” is all of us. The “when” is all the time. And the “where” is what we’re focusing on now.

More Minnesotans than ever before are contracting COVID-19 in our community. Hospital capacity is being pushed to the brink, leaving hospitals worried about being able to treat all those who fall ill. And this week, we passed the somber milestone of 3,000 Minnesotans lost to COVID-19.

Governor Walz is asking Minnesotans to hit pause on social activities, in-person dining, sports, and gyms – where we are seeing the largest rates of transmission – for four weeks. This virus is like a wildfire – wherever there is wood to burn, it will burn.

Governor Walz knows this is incredibly hard on so many people. That’s why he also called on the federal government to take immediate action to help our businesses and families make ends meet. Minnesotans can also visit uimn.org for support from the state.

This is a time to look out for one another. Shop local, get carry out, and buy online gift cards locally. And in the long term, this step will save lives. It will benefit Minnesotans, our schools, and our economy. Brighter days are ahead. 

All Major Minnesota-Based Health Care Systems Voice Support for Action to Curb Spread of COVID-19

Health care leaders, health providers, and long-term care providers have voiced their support for Governor Walz’s four week dial back. Here’s what they’ve said:

Marc Gorelick, MD, President and CEOof Children’s Minnesota:

“COVID-19 has taken a heavy toll on our community and it is up to each of us to do our part to stop the rampant spread of this dangerous virus. That is why we fully support the dial back measures recently announced by Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.”

“Now more than ever, our community needs the healthcare heroes who come in, day after day, giving their all to patients who need them. Too many heroes are being sidelined by COVID-19 – in nearly all cases due to being exposed out in the community. For the sake of those healthcare heroes, your neighbors and loved ones, please do everything you can to keep healthy and safe out in the community: wear your masks, wash your hands, watch your distance, and follow the new guidelines.”

Gayle Kvenvold, CEO of Leading Age

“LeadingAge Minnesota and long term care communities across the state thank Governor Walz for helping us all to keep our elders and caregivers safe in these challenging times. Everyone in Minnesota has a part to play in the coming weeks in preserving the health and wellbeing of our parents and grandparents.”

Patti Cullen, CEO of Care Providers

“On behalf of the long-term care communities I represent I want to thank Governor Walz for taking these difficult but necessary steps. We can all do this together as Minnesotans to save lives and to make sure those who need care can get care from long term care and health care workers.”

Kevin Croston, MD, CEO of North Memorial Health

“You rely on North Memorial Health to deliver your babies, care for you after a car accident—and you expect us to be there for you if you contract COVID-19. We’re your health family and family takes care of one another even in the most difficult of circumstances. 

#MNtogether: Minnesota Lights Landmarks in Purple to Honor Victims of COVID-19, Recognize Frontline Workers

As Minnesota reached the grim milestone of over 3,000 lives lost due to COVID-19, cities and towns across the state lit dozens of Minnesota landmarks in purple this Thursday night to honor victims of COVID-19 and the frontline workers battling the pandemic. Cities, towns, sports team, museums, libraries, companies, and more joined in this solemn moment of unity across the state. 

New Study Rates Minnesota’s COVID-19 Dashboard Best in the Nation

On Wednesday, Governor Walz announced that Minnesota has ranked the best in the nation in sharing essential COVID-19 information through its online dashboard, according to a new national report published by Resolve to Save Lives, part of the global health organization Vital Strategies.

The report, “Tracking COVID-19 in the United States: Progress and Opportunities” , analyzed the quality and breadth of COVID-19 information shared by all 50 states and found that Minnesota had the strongest COVID-19 data dashboard in the nation, praising Minnesota’s dashboard for providing “robust information, enabling communities to be better informed on the local spread of COVID-19 and risk of infection.”

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Encourage Minnesotans to Apply for An Appointment to State Board, Commission

Apply for an appointment to a state board or commission! The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are seeking qualified and diverse individuals who are passionate about using their knowledge, skills, and lived experiences to serve the state of Minnesota. State boards and commissions do important work that includes protecting the public, licensing and regulating professions, and advising policymakers. With over 100 boards and commissions covering topics from architecture to the zoo, there are hundreds of opportunities annually. A list of boards and commissions, including open positions, can be found on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website. For questions about the process or how to get involved, please contact gov.appointments@state.mn.us.