Friends, Minnesota passed a tragic milestone this week by exceeding 3,000 lives lost to COVID-19, an immense loss that strikes at the very heart of our state.

Friends,

Minnesota passed a tragic milestone this week by exceeding 3,000 lives lost to COVID-19, an immense loss that strikes at the very heart of our state.

Hospitals across the state are nearing the point of having to turn away new patients. We are at a breaking point. We must take immediate action to keep ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities safe.

Yesterday, Governor Walz announced new actions to turn the dial back and help control the virus's spread. Starting on Friday, November 20, at 11:59 pm and lasting until Friday, December 18, the following measures will go into effect:

• In-person social gatherings with individuals outside your household are prohibited
• Bars and restaurants are dialed back to take-out and delivery service only
• Gyms, fitness studios, entertainment venues, event spaces, and similar establishments will need to close
• Adult and youth sports are paused

Retail businesses, salons, and places of worship may continue to operate with proper precautions in place. Childcare remains open. Schools will continue to operate under the Safe Learning Plan, which shifts between in-person, distance, and hybrid learning depending on the local conditions of the virus.

The measures announced yesterday will help prevent more families from losing a loved one and ensure our hospitals can treat those who fall ill. While these actions mean incredible hardship for many, they are the fastest way to recover our economy, keep our kids in school, and get back to the activities we love.

We're all in this together. Let's look out for each other.

Thank you,

Team Walz-Flanagan