Governor Walz’s emergency order

Dear Saints community,

Today, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz issued Emergency Executive Order 20-20 directing Minnesotans to stay at home from Friday, March 27, 2020 through Friday, April 10, 2020 at 5 p.m.  He provided a great deal of information and rationale on the positive impact this executive order will have in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and allowing more time for healthcare systems to prepare. Here is a copy of the order, should you want to read it in its entirety.

The order takes effect at midnight Friday, March 27, 2020 and is the state’s most aggressive move yet against the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

As a Saints community, we can be encouraged by the fact that we have already put measures in place that reflect the essence of Gov. Walz’s Executive Order as it relates specifically to higher education. Through migrating our courses online, working remotely, studying remotely, we are “staying at home.”

You recall we have just revised our guidelines effective Friday, March 27, with further restrictions and permissions required to enter the Duluth campus Tower Hall . This is in line with the intent of the Order, as it relates to higher education in section 6.w of the document.   I recommend you refer to Pandemic Planning Committee email distributed Tuesday, March 24 to re-familiarize yourselves with those updated procedures.

If you have questions or concerns,  please contact your area Vice President.

Under our Benedictine values of community and stewardship, I urge all of us to heed the Governor’s Executive Order with utmost seriousness. We can be proud that the Governor’s decision was made thoughtfully, with the best information possible, in consultation with the state’s leaders in medicine, health care technology and manufacturing, law enforcement, education and government.

Now is the time for us to reaffirm our solidarity with our fellow Saints, with our neighbors, and with all Minnesotans. #SaintsRiseUp!  Please, take care of yourself, your loved ones and your neighbors in line with social distancing protocols.  Keep us abreast of things should you need support, or if you have any questions.
Each day has brought us new learnings, and I know we have the wisdom and the will to see this situation through. I am so proud to be a part of the Saints community and to serve alongside you all, and thank you for putting forth your best effort!

Sincerely,
Barbara
#SaintsRiseUp