At Issue: Nov. 22 — New COVID-19 restrictions, interview with FDA commissioner

In the state’s attempts to curtail skyrocketing coronavirus case numbers, Gov. Tim Walz announced a new round of restrictions this week, focused mainly on restaurants, bars and health clubs. It comes as two major drug manufacturers announced their plans to seek emergency approval from the FDA for a COVID-19 vaccine.

Hospital brass and workers say bed capacity is near-full and nurses are getting burnt out. Their plea: for Minnesotans to buckle down and follow public health guidelines, especially heading into the holiday season.

Tom Hauser sat down with the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, Dr. Stephen Hahn, who says they’ll take a hard look at the data behind the vaccines before approving them. He also gives reason for why Americans — who polls show are split on taking a vaccine — should trust the FDA’s process.

Meanwhile, a shakeup at the state Capitol has all the Minnesota politico world talking. Sens. Tom Bakk and David Tomassoni announced they’re leaving the DFL Caucus to become independent. The move is, in theory, a victory for the Republicans, who held a one-seat majority after the Nov. 3 election.