Dear Neighbor,
We have another week under our belt as we fight through this coronavirus pandemic. The State of Minnesota is now under a total of 26 Emergency Executive Orders that provide a broad range of directives and guidance on how we as a state are dealing with the current situation. A complete listing of all emergency orders can be found here.
Our local governments are rising to the challenge, demonstrating how best to continue to function in an effective manner despite the challenges we face. An excellent example is the recent Crow Wing County Board emergency meeting. The meeting allowed for public input and was live streamed so all could see the discussion and ensuring actions taken by the board. Visit this link to see how issues of immediate importance are being dealt with at the local level. Well done to all!
As we listen to a wide variety of news being broadcast about our nation’s current situation, I have found that local radio and TV stations seem to be most helpful in providing an accurate picture of where we are in Minnesota, with respect to the current pandemic. Gov. Walz and our state agencies are working hard to keep everyone informed with up to date and accurate information.
Here is an excellent State of Minnesota website that provides the most recent information on both the statewide situation, as well as information down to the county level as to where the corona virus positive cases are within our state. Also included is information on the states’ hospital intensive care unit surge capacity, ventilator inventories, status of critical care supplies and other information specific to Minnesota.
While much of what we see and hear from the national level portrays a very alarming picture, please understand it is not necessarily an accurate picture of our situation here in Minnesota. Our state and local governments in partnership with private industry are working around the clock to ensure the health, safety and well-being of our citizens are protected today and into the future.
Keep those suggestions and concerns coming. My colleagues and I are working on the next package of legislative changes that will likely be necessary. The current array of emergency executive orders referenced earlier cover a huge range of issues, but we are learning every day of additional items that will need attention.
Please be safe and considerate of others as we overcome this current challenge.
Sincerely,
Dale