Minnesota Gov. Tim Wallace will close bars, restaurants and fitness centers for four weeks starting Friday as coronavirus cases and deaths in the state reach significant, according to local reports.
The Minnesota Department of Health reported 4,740 confirmed COVID-19 cases on Wednesday and nearly 70 people died, most of them in long-term care of supportive living facilities – a new record for the state.
The governor will allow bars and rest restaurants to continue with the take-out service, The Star Tribune reported and a formal official announcement will be made on Wednesday evening.
Coronavirus Restrictions Restored by the State: What to Know
“Right now the numbers are alarming,” Wallace said during a press briefing on Tuesday. “I don’t want to lose the humanity that is at the center of this … As we think about Thanksgiving and the gathering, it’s really critically important to think about Minnesota.”
TV Covid-19 briefing by Wallace and state health officials GLEN STUBBE•[email protected]
He later added: “The cases we’re seeing are the most we’ve ever seen, so, the idea of everything going on – I’m just simple and don’t know what else we can do.”
Wallace escalated the state’s COVID-19 peace time crisis last week, and he has urged people to stay home for Thanksgiving with other state health officials. He said further sanctions, including possible changes to the youth winter sport, would be announced this week, and he urged Minnesota to stop politicizing the epidemic and listen to health officials.
CDC Sujits for Ericsson Ditch Singing, Loud Music, Alcohol Highlights and Pandemic
On Tuesday, several Covid-1 survivors and survivors shared their stories with Minnesota Ans Nance Walz, including a father who spent time in the ICU and the mother of a 17-year-old girl who almost lost her life and is likely in Covid-19. Not able to play games again.
Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said activities that were considered relatively safe a month or two ago are now significantly more dangerous due to the dramatic increase in cases and hospital admissions. That includes small Thanksgiving gatherings – which he said should be reconsidered.
People are being tested at Minneapolis-St.’s new saliva COVID-19 test site. Paul International Airport, Thursday, November 12, 2020. (via Elizabeth Flores / Star Tribune AP)
Republican State Rep. Nick Zarwaz, who voiced his concerns about the spread of COVID-19 during the holidays, joined Walz, saying he planned his trip to South Dakota to take care of his family.
“I urge all families to take care of themselves and their loved ones,” he said during the briefing.
If you are thinking of visiting family, start thanking yourself
Minnesota Republican Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka announced that this serious warning was issued just a day later when Nov. 5. He tested positive for COVID-19 amid reports that the GOP held private meetings and dinner parties.
Republican senators and staff were told last Tuesday that some Republican state senators have been diagnosed with Covid-19, but the memo was not shared with the state’s Senate Democrats before a special session last week.
Following the situation, the state’s Senate minority leader Susan Kent called on Gazelka to resign from his leadership post. Kent said the Republican caucus, led by Gazelka, is “engaged in high-risk behaviors” and members have made “excuses instead of being responsible.”
Click here to get the Fox News app
The Associated Press contributes to this report.
