Updated: 3 p.m.
Minnesota officials on Wednesday reported another 92 COVID-19 deaths, extending an already awful December 982 deaths posted in the first 16 days of the month, atop more than 1,100 deaths recorded in November.
The newest data marked one of the highest single-day counts in the pandemic, a reality check after a couple days of relatively moderate death counts. Reported deaths are averaging nearly 67 per day over the past seven days, a sad new record.
The grim numbers were balanced out somewhat by the fact that new daily caseloads and hospital admissions continue to slow from their late November, early December highs.
On November 20, 2020, Governor Tim Walz put a four week dial back that forced Minnesota bars and restaurants to temporarily end in-person services. The owner of the Boardwalk Bar & Grill in East Grand Forks decided to reopen her restaurant, despite the governor s order. Now, Jane Moss is potentially facing legal troubles and potentially jail time.
I searched Jane Moss and happened across a fund to help her with her possible legal battle with Minnesota. When I followed the link to action4liberty.com, I found that Jane s supporters are willing to
financially help her battle the state. Last night (December 14), the fund for Jane was just over $10,500. Now, as I write this, the fund just over $14,000 and rapidly closing in on the $20,000 goal!
Our View: Plight of East Grand Forks bar shows need for aid, or lighter restrictions
This is a tough predicament for Minnesota small businesses, and they have the right to be frustrated. Big retail stores continue to be open throughout the state and business continues generally unabated in nearby towns in states like North Dakota and South Dakota.
Written By:
Herald editorial board | 7:21 am, Dec. 15, 2020 ×
As Minnesota’s pandemic-related restrictions continue to financially suffocate small businesses, a rebellion in East Grand Forks brings attention to the plight of desperate business owners.
Gov. Tim Walz last month announced bars and restaurants must close for indoor service for four weeks. He also closed fitness centers and other places of entertainment. In East Grand Forks – whose main business district includes numerous eateries and entertainment-related businesses – that’s a big ask, and especially for a border town across the river f
On Wednesday (December 16), Governor Tim Walz is expected to decide if he will expire or extend the current restrictions placed upon Minnesota restaurants, bars, and gyms. The order is set to end on December 18. And a group of Minnesota business owners are planning to reopen, no matter what Governor Walz decides.
CBS News reports that the ReOpen Minnesota Coalition is a group of over 150 businesses that will reopen whether the governor approves it or not. The plans to reopen do include continuing to obey health guidelines like mask-wearing and lower capacity. Get the full story from CBS News here.
Now, if Governor Walz decides to extend the dial back mandate and those over 150 businesses reopen, the owners and other individuals involved could be slapped with fines, costing thousands of dollars and/ or face jail time from 90 days to one year. Read more about the enforcement of the dial back executive order here.