Minnesota lawmakers impacted by the coronavirus

​A number of Minnesota lawmakers are feeling the brunt of the coronavirus’s painful reach. Governor Tim Walz announced on Monday that he’s self-isolating due to having been in contact with someone who contracted the virus.

“The most important thing Minnesotans can do to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home,” said Governor Walz. “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.”

Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan posted on Instagram that her brother Ron died on Saturday due to COVID-19. His was the second COVID-related death in Tennessee. She shared that several weeks ago, Ron was diagnosed with cancer and his immune system was compromised. He then contracted COVID-19 and succumbed to the virus. 

Also on Monday, Senator Amy Klobuchar shared that her husband John Blesser had contacted the coronavirus and is currently hospitalized in Virginia as he fights pneumonia. Klobuchar said that her husband is on a respirator but not a ventilator. 

“My husband has coronavirus. I love him & not being able to be by his side is one of the hardest things about this disease,” Klobuchar tweeted. “So many are going through this & much worse. I pray for him & you & meanwhile I will do all I can to get help to the American people.”  

​Klobuchar shared in a Medium post, that she and her husband had been in “different places for the last two weeks.” Doctors advised her that she could forgo testing because she was “outside the 14-day period for getting sick.” Blesser was encouraged to take tests after he began coughing up blood.

Across the state, Minnesota’s COVID-19-related deaths climbed to 235 on Monday with one death being reported. Gov. Walz is set to brief the public this afternoon via a media teleconference about the latest steps to stop the spread of the virus in the state.