In response to Republicans clamoring for a re-opening of the economy, three DFL lawmakers who are physicians are defending Governor Walz’s use of his constitutional powers to enact executive orders.
"This is going to take time," says Representative Kelly Morrison, who is also a practicing OBGYN. "If we open everything up and have a huge spike in illnesses that will not help our current economy. The current situation in South Dakota provides a nearby cautionary tale as to what can happen if public health recommendations are ignored," Morrison went on to say, referring to the closing of the Smithfield plant in Sioux Falls which turned into a hotspot.
"That patient died alone because we can't allow visitors on the floor," he said. "She had broken down and wept for the first time in her career as a physician. She was afraid for her patient. She felt helpless against the illness. And she was afraid for herself and her family and her two young children."
He says he encourages lawmakers to not “undercut the recommendations of the CDC.” He echoed Walz saying the economy will reopen once there is widespread testing and adequate PPE.
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Walz has emphasized that he does not want to risk losing the safety progress Minnesota had made. He says increased testing capacity in the range of 5,000 per day will allow them to loosen restrictions gradually.
