SAINT PAUL – Tonight, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced a set of new public health guidelines aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19 across the state of Minnesota.
Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL – Rochester), chair of the House Health and Human Services Finance Division, issued the following statement:
“COVID-19 cases are surging across Minnesota, and our health care system is being stretched to the max. Today, Minnesota passed the tragic milestone of 3,000 deaths. The number of hospitalizations is rising quickly, and health care professionals are urging aggressive action. The measures Governor Walz announced tonight are difficult, but necessary to help slow the virus’s spread. More than ever before, we need to take precautions seriously, especially forgoing social gatherings where so much of the spread has been occurring. During the winter holidays this will be especially difficult, but we must do it to protect our families and others in the community. Even if someone needs health care for another reason, the spike in COVID cases can impact the health system’s ability to provide timely care.
“It’s also time for a robust federal strategy to help states control the virus and help unemployed workers, businesses, and local governments weather the economic crisis. Congress must enact a robust relief package immediately.”