Dear Neighbors,
Updates Return
With the campaign season over, we can return to our regular email updates covering everything happening at the Legislature and around Minnesota. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our wonderful community for returning me to the Legislature. I plan to continue to serve you diligently over these next two years.
New Covid-19 Rules as Virus Reaches Record Levels
Unfortunately, Covid is spreading at record levels throughout the country, including here in Minnesota where we have reached our capacity to manage the virus. Governor Walz has announced a number of new actions designed to reign in the virus.
Yesterday, he announced the following safety restrictions:
- Restaurants will be take-out only for the next 4 weeks
- Gyms and fitness centers will also close for 4 weeks
- Theaters, movie theater, bowling alleys, museums, and arcades will all be closed
- Wedding receptions, celebrations and private parties are put on hold as well
- Limit all social gatherings with people outside of your household
- All youth sports are on pause, there have been too many cases connected to sports for them to continue safely
- Avoid travelling across state lines
If you can, please continue to get takeout from your favorite local restaurants; they are going to need our help more than ever. Personally I plan to support CR's and Ole Piper! Torg and Invictus have curbside pickup as well. No one wants to see increased restrictions; we are all fatigued by the ongoing fight against COVID-19, but these restrictions are necessary to help curb the spread of this virus and save lives. We aren’t at a point where we can return to normal. These restrictions are a direct result of Minnesotans returning to too many pre-covid activities without taking the proper preventative measures. I understand that this is difficult, but we must remain vigilant when it comes to managing this virus. For everyone's sake, please continue to limit gatherings, wear masks, and social distance.
It is increasingly clear that Minnesota needs federal assistance. We need immediate action on a new COVID-19 relief package, and an extension on flexibility to utilize resources allocated to state and local governments in the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Our state and local governments can’t combat this devastating virus alone, we must come together as a nation to fight for one another.
Actions Taken to Increase Testing and Provide Financial Relief
Last Week, Governor Walz announced 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. These sites will be open at least through the end of the year with logistical aid provided by the National Guard. It is critical that we test as much as possible so we can trace how the virus is spreading and implement the necessary isolation.For more information on how and where to receive a COVID-19 test, visit mn.gov/covid19/. An updated list of community testing sites is available here.
Lastly, Governor Walz announced $10 million in Small Business Relief Grants to support businesses that are struggling as they do their part to combat the spread of COVID-19. This funding will support an additional 1,000 businesses that have applied for the grant program.
Keep in Touch:
You can contact me at rep.erin.koegel@house.mn or (651) 296-5369. I appreciate the opportunity to serve our district in the legislature and look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Erin Koegel
State Representative