SAINT PAUL – On Monday, Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-03 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota’s Veterans Homes. This executive order allows Veterans Homes to protect residents and staff by temporarily restricting visitors, thereby reducing the risk of COVID-19 spread among residents.
State Rep. Rob Ecklund (DFL – International Falls), chair of the House Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Division, issued the following statement:
“I’m thankful for Governor Walz’s executive action which recognizes the vulnerability of older Minnesotans, including many who reside in our state’s veterans homes. These changes, along with others in many areas of our daily lives, are undoubtedly difficult but necessary to flatten the curve and mitigate the impact of COVID-19. I’m confident the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs will make alternative forms of visiting available, such as teleconferencing. The health and wellbeing of Minnesotans, including our veterans, must remain paramount. The Governor, lawmakers, and health care professionals will keep working to ensure we’re able to tackle this challenge.”