Thread by @jburcum

Gov. Tim Walz COVID press conference underway. The focus is on mental health.

There is a 24/7 crisis text line available. Just MN to 741741

A nice contribution to this from Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan who notes that so many of us feel stressed during the pandemic and it's OK to reach out for help. "We have never experienced anything like this in our lifetime."

A Milaca, MN-based mental health providers urges parents to help kids who are struggling. Notes there are now telehealth services making it easier than ever to seek care. My take: This move is one of the pandemic's silver linings and its availability should be permanent.

Now up NAMI-MN's Sue Abderholden. She is concerned about kids losing access to mental health care and other services linked to their schools. Asks parents to watch for excessive fears or sleepiness, other inability to cope with daily life.

Here are the details about the Ikea mental health grants mentioned during this press conference. scribd.com/document/48516…

Onto questions... Gov is asked about gym/fitness center closures. A. Walz notes the high risk of indoor air and breathing hard (aeresol spread of COVID). Also a gathering places for many young adults who can be asymptomatic spreaders.

Next Q is about additional relief for businesses affected by COVID restrictions. A. Walz says pursuing this, notes that businesses who are closing are protecting the entire community. Walz says can't wait on Congress to get it done, asking commissioners to figure out solutions.

More on state aid: Walz says it won't be enough but these businesses need and deserve a lifeline.

Q. Is there any progress towards COVID relief happening in December #mnleg special session? Answer (me paraphrasing) doesn't sound like anything real solid but Walz feels positive about this.

Next Q on mental health... Abderholden says that children who had mental health concerns before the pandemic are struggling now.

Milaca mental health provider notes that some staff are quarantined with COVID but that telehealth allows them to continue providing services if they feel healthy enough to do so.

Great point from Sue Abderholden: mobile mental health providers have not been doing in-person visits. She hopes they are considered a priority as COVID vaccine becomes available.

Q on undercounting COVID cases in MN even with higher number of testing... A. Yes, state's high positivity rate continues to indicate there's more virus out there than what is being found.

MDH Commish Malcolm asked to estimate how many cases are not being found. Last spring, there was an estimate that for every 1 confirmed case, there were 10 others not found. Malcolm said that hasn't been updated but it's a good question.

Walz is asked about potential hospitality industry relief.. says he is focused on "cash on hand." Notes that anything with appropriation goes thru #mnleg. Says we as MN elected officials have responsibility to do what we can but real responsibility lies with the feds.

More: Walz says that pause is needed to protect hospitals from being overrun but understands well that there's pain involved for affected industries. Says "primal scream" needed to get Congressional attention, action.

Q. about Sanford Health CEO not wearing mask. A from Walz. Gov notes that this CEO is not a physician. Notes there's not solid data showing reinfection doesn't happen. Walz also says leadership also requires modeling behavior that you want to see.