Gov. Tim Walz directed all flags at state and federal buildings in Minnesota to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset Tuesday, and on the 19th of every month through 2020, to remember, mourn and honor lives lost due to COVID-19.
"As of (Friday), 683 of our mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, friends and neighbors, have passed due to COVID-19," read a proclamation issued by the governor. "Minnesotans come together as one community in these challenging moments to mourn and support each other."
Individuals, businesses and other organizations also are encouraged to join in lowering their flags.
"The people who have been lost are not just numbers, and they are not forgotten," Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said.
