Statement From U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement regarding her husband John:
“I have news that many Americans are facing right now: my husband John has the coronavirus. We just got the test results at 7 a.m. this morning. While I cannot see him and he is of course cut off from all visitors, our daughter Abigail and I are constantly calling and texting and emailing. We love him very much and pray for his recovery. He is exhausted and sick but a very strong and resilient person.
“John started to feel sick when I was in Minnesota and he was in Washington D.C. and like so many others who have had the disease, he thought it was just a cold. Yet he immediately quarantined himself just in case and stopped going to his job teaching in Baltimore. He kept having a temperature and a bad, bad cough and when he started coughing up blood he got a test and a chest X-ray and they checked him into a hospital in Virginia because of a variety of things including very low oxygen levels which haven’t really improved. He now has pneumonia and is on oxygen but not a ventilator.
“While this is his story and not mine, I wanted to let my colleagues and constituents know that since John and I have been in different places for the last two weeks and I am outside the 14-day period for getting sick, my doctor has advised me to not get a test. As everyone is aware, there are test shortages for people who need them everywhere and I don’t qualify to get one under any standard.
“I love my husband so very much and not being able to be there at the hospital by his side is one of the hardest things about this disease.
“I hope he will be home soon. I know so many Americans are going through this and so much worse right now. So I hope and pray for you, just as I hope you will do for my husband. Meanwhile I am working in the Senate to get help to the American people.”
Governor Walz to Self-Quarantine After Contact With COVID-19
Governor not showing symptoms; will lead by example and work from home
[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced he will self-quarantine for a period of 14 days after learning he had contact with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19. The Governor was informed of the contact early this morning and has not left his home since.
“The most important thing Minnesotans can do to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home,” said Governor Walz. “I’m using this as an opportunity to lead by example. Though I’m feeling healthy and not showing any symptoms, I’m going to work from home and model the protocol we are asking all Minnesotans to follow.”
A member of the Governor’s security detail tested positive for COVID-19 late last night on Sunday, March 22, 2020. The Governor was in close proximity to this individual late last week. While the Governor is not showing any symptoms, he will begin his self-quarantine today, Monday, March 23, 2020 until Monday, April 6.
The Center for Disease Control recommends that individuals who have a known contact with COVID-19 self-quarantine for 14 days as a precautionary measure to avoid accidentally spreading the virus. The Minnesota Department of Health recently recommended that all Minnesotans work remotely when possible.
“Because our state must maintain essential services, not every Minnesotan is able to stay home,” continued Governor Walz. “Those of us who are able to work from home must do so out of respect to our health care professionals, first responders, pharmacists, grocers, child care providers, and all Minnesotans who are working to keep us safe during this crisis.”
The Governor will continue to oversee the State of Minnesota’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Walz-Flanagan Administration is prepared to combat the COVID-19 pandemic regardless of which location the Governor is working from.
“I’m grateful for the State of Minnesota’s sophisticated emergency management operation that allows me to govern and respond to crises from the Minnesota Governor’s Residence,” continued Governor Walz. “We will continue to communicate with Minnesotans about our quick and aggressive work to combat the spread of COVID-19.”
