Walz orders flags flown at half-staff to honor COVID-19 victims

Monday, Gov. Tim Walz ordered flags at state and federal buildings in Minnesota be flown at half-staff to honor those who have died during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The proclamation is effective immediately and will last through Friday.

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Walz issued the proclamation after it was announced the U.S. surpassed 500,000 COVID-19 deaths Monday.

"We reflect on these losses and the loved ones left behind, joining states across the nation to lower our flags and observe a moment of silence at sunset as we honor the lives lost due to COVID-19," Walz said in a statement.