Dear Neighbors,

Governor Walz announced today a dial back on social activities, in-person dining, sports, and fitness establishments for four weeks. I'm heartbroken with turbulence our state has had to endure. Today is another blow. The economics /public health devastation of this pandemic makes us all angry. Let's attack this together. Please-wear a mask and do not have gatherings so we can save lives, jobs and our economy.

• • Minnesotans are being asked to hit pause on their social lives. Please avoid gatherings with people outside of your household.

• • Restaurants and bars are dialed back to delivery and takeout only. Gyms and fitness studios will also need to close. Entertainment venues, event spaces, and similar establishments are also closed. These are undoubtedly tough economic times for our small restaurants and bars and workers, and my heart goes out to them. I am working with our congressional Minnesota delegation to get additional federal aid for our workers and business owners as soon as possible. 

    If you know a restaurant, bar or food service establishment manager / owner in Hennepin County please share this grant application with them ASAP - the funds will go quickly: 

    https://www.hennepin.us/economic-development/programs/Emergency-relief

• • Youth sports are on pause. As a parent, I recognize the positive health impacts and unique developmental and social benefits of sports. But the 192 outbreaks connected to sports are too concerning to let these activities continue during this dial back. Sports-related cases are nearly twice as prevalent among high school-age children as any other age group, and they increasingly play a key role in the need to move schools to distance learning.

Community Testing Sites

Getting tested, even if you do not have symptoms, is highly encouraged. All COVID-19 testing is no cost at Minnesota community testing sites. I’ve included a few convenient saliva testing locations for our Edina neighbors to check out:

Minneapolis Convention Center

1301 2nd Ave South Minneapolis, MN 55403

Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday - Sunday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport

4300 Glumack Drive St. Paul, MN 55111

Daily: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Keep in Touch

Please reach out anytime with questions or to let me know how I can help at rep.heather.edelson@house.mn. These are tough times, but we can get through them if we work together by staying vigilant with public health guidelines- staying home when we can, wearing a mask, washing our hands frequently, social distancing, and getting tested.

Be well,

Heather Edelson

State Representative