Governor Walz Announces New Efforts to Support Minnesota Hospitals During Omicron Case Surge

Statement

Governor Tim Walz today announced a series of emergency measures to provide more support to Minnesota hospitals as they deal with high patient counts brought on by the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Governor Walz announced that he has secured a fourth federal medical team, to support Abbott Northwestern Hospital in the Twin Cities, and that more than 200 nurses and respiratory therapists are arriving to provide stopgap care at short-staffed Minnesota hospitals.

The measures will expand hospital capacity as Minnesota healthcare providers manage staffing and bed shortages during this case surge. Hospitalizations have risen as cases increased due to the Omicron variant: as of Wednesday, Minnesota hospitals are treating more than 1,540 COVID-19 patients, more than 50% percent higher than one month ago.

"The Omicron variant has been incredibly difficult for our hospitals, who are treating a surge of patients while dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks among their employees," said Governor Walz. "They asked for help, and we are providing it by bringing in more short-term emergency personnel to relieve our exhausted hospital staff. My deepest gratitude goes out to Minnesota's hard-working doctors, nurses, and hospital staff who are persevering through unprecedented circumstances to treat their patients."

"We're working hand in hand with Minnesota hospitals to ensure they can effectively and safely treat their patients during this COVID-19 case surge," said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. "Our administration is using every tool at our disposal to get resources to hospitals, supporting Minnesota's hard-working doctors and nurses and making sure patients get the care they need."

"This pandemic response continues to be an all-hands-on-deck effort, and we deeply appreciate the help of our federal partners as well as the heroic service of our doctors, nurses and other care providers," Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said. "We need all Minnesotans to do their part by taking those actions we know help reduce the spread of this disease -- getting vaccinated and boosted, masking up, staying home when sick, and getting tested when appropriate."

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