NW Minnesota News

Rep. Steve Green wants to see the data used by Gov. Tim Walz that led to him extending Minnesota's stay-at-home order until May 4 to protect the public from the COVID-19 pandemic.

"He said the extension will push the low end of the peak into the range where we will have enough ventilators and ICU beds in Minnesota to accommodate the projected number of patients," Green said, according to a release by the Minnesota House of Representatives. 

Green argues the number of patients impacted by the virus is going down and transparency is needed to determine just how long people need to stay in their homes and how long businesses need to remain closed.

"If he (the governor) is making decisions that impact thousands of businesses and millions of Minnesotans, he should share the information he says is driving those actions," Green said.

The governor has advised lawn care, landscaping, garden centers and nursery businesses can re-open so long as they can make sure customers and staff maintain social distancing guidelines.  

Green agrees with this decision but said other business owners continue reaching out to him about when they can reopen their businesses.

"Legislators have been pushing the administration on a daily basis asking for exemptions, flexibility and common sense," Green said. "If there are businesses that can protect the safety of employees and customers, we should allow them to do so."

Low-cost insulin is now available for Minnesotans that need it.

"Eli Lilly and Company has introduced the Lilly Insulin Value Program, allowing anyone with commercial insurance and those without insurance to fill their monthly prescription of Lilly insulin for $35," Green said.

Call the Lilly Diabetes Solution Center at (833) 808-1234. Lilly Diabetes Solution Center can also be reached via their website at www.lilly.com.