Walz orders flags at half staff for those who have died due to COVID-19

Gov. Tim Walz has directed flags throughout Minnesota be flown at half staff in honor of those who have died due to COVID-19.

Under the order, flags will be flown at half staff Tuesday as well on the 19th of every month through 2020 "to remember, mourn and honor lives lost."

Flags at state and federal buildings in Minnesota will be lowered and individuals, businesses and other organizations are also encouraged to fly flags at half staff.

"As of May 15, 2020, 683 of our mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, friends and neighbors, have passed due to COVID-19," the proclamation issued by Walz states. "Minnesotans come together as one community in these challenging moments to mourn and support each other."

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan added, "This disease is unpredictable and has devastated so many Minnesota families, including my own. The people who have been lost are not just numbers, and they are not forgotten."

View the full proclamation here.