Walz to self-quarantine after contact with COVID-19
Published 10:14 am Monday, March 23, 2020
Gov. Tim Walz on Monday announced he will self-quarantine for 14 days after learning he had contact with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19. The governor was informed of the contact early Monday morning and has not left his home since, according to a press release.
Tim Walz
“The most important thing Minnesotans can do to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home,” Walz said. “I’m using this as an opportunity to lead by example. Though I’m feeling healthy and not showing any symptoms, I’m going to work from home and model the protocol we are asking all Minnesotans to follow.”
A member of the governor’s security detail tested positive for COVID-19 late Sunday night, the press release stated. The governor was in close proximity to this individual late last week. While the governor is not showing any symptoms, he will begin his self-quarantine today until April 6.
The Center for Disease Control recommends that individuals who have a known contact with COVID-19 self-quarantine for 14 days as a precautionary measure to avoid accidentally spreading the virus. The Minnesota Department of Health recently recommended that all Minnesotans work remotely when possible.
“Because our state must maintain essential services, not every Minnesotan is able to stay home,” Walz said. “Those of us who are able to work from home must do so out of respect to our health care professionals, first responders, pharmacists, grocers, child care providers and all Minnesotans who are working to keep us safe during this crisis.”
The governor will continue to oversee the state of Minnesota’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The release stated the Walz-Flanagan administration is prepared to combat the COVID-19 pandemic regardless of which location the governor is working from.
“I’m grateful for the state of Minnesota’s sophisticated emergency management operation that allows me to govern and respond to crises from the Minnesota governor’s residence,” he said. “We will continue to communicate with Minnesotans about our quick and aggressive work to combat the spread of COVID-19.”
