Walz implores Minnesotans to keep fighting against COVID-19

Gov. Tim Walz, delivering his second State of the State address via the internet, implored Minnesotans to work together to fight the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Walz livestreamed his address from the governor’s residence in St. Paul Sunday.

COVID-19 has disrupted Minnesotans’ lives in ways never imagined and crippled the state’s economy, yet Walz pointed to hopeful signs.

“Long hours of darkness are ahead,” Walz warned. But he added that Minnesotans are already uniting by staying at home to prevent the spread, supporting health care workers and staying at home.

“There’s no stopping the storm of COVID-19 from hitting Minnesota, but we are preparing for it,” Walz said.

Walz said the state is building hospitals’ capacity, increasing testing to track the spread, adding ventilators and trying to find more personal protective equipment for first responders, the Star Tribune reported.

The DFL governor has asked President Donald Trump to issue a major disaster declaration to allow federal funding to flow to the state.

Walz wants to use for crisis counseling, supplemental nutrition programs, medical assistance, funeral aid and other needs.