Minnesota governor to quarantine following COVID-19 exposure

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) is quarantining after a member of his staff tested positive for COVID-19, according to a statement from Walz’s spokesperson obtained by The Hill.

“A member of Governor Walz’s staff tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday morning after being tested on Tuesday,” Walz’s spokesperson Teddy Tschann confirmed via email Wednesday afternoon.

“While Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor [Peggy] Flanagan (D), and Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm were not within six feet of the staff member for more than 15 minutes, they were in the same room as the staff member for the duration of a press conference on Monday,” he said.

Tschann said the governor will quarantine through March 25, or 10 days since the time of exposure. Walz is postponing his state of the state address, scheduled to take place on March 21, until he is finished isolating.

He will continue communicating with Minnesotans virtually.

“The Governor hopes this serves as an important reminder for Minnesotans that, while we are close to the end of the pandemic, we must continue to take COVID-19 seriously,” Tschann said. “Wear a mask, social distance, get tested, and sign up to get vaccinated.”

Tschann said that Walz has not yet been vaccinated, and that Flanagan received her first dose of Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine.

Malcolm received Johnson & Johnson’s one-shot vaccine, but is still within the 14-day waiting period for full protection.