National Guard To Help Amid MN Hospital Bed And Staff Shortage

ACROSS MINNESOTA — Gov. Tim Walz Friday said he will put the National Guard "on alert" to provide staffing support at Minnesota’s long-term care facilities.

Hospital administrators across the state report that many of their beds are occupied by Minnesotans who should be treated at long-term care facilities, but can't because of staffing and bed shortages.

"Rising COVID-19 cases have left our hospitals too crowded, and we need action now," Walz said in a news release.

"That’s why I’m putting the National Guard on alert and taking critical steps to help free up hospital beds and make sure that Minnesotans can continue to get the care they need."

Walz also tasked the National Gaurd to run a new community rapid testing program, with sites planned for Stillwater, Hutchinson, and Crookston next week.

At these sites, Minnesotans with COVID-19 symptoms can take an antigen test and receive their results within minutes. At least three more sites will open later this month, Walz said.

The moves are a part of Walz's "COVID-19 action plan" that he announced Friday. In addition to enlisting support from the National Gaurd, Walz's office plans to:

• Expand access to the COVID-19 Emergency Staffing Pool for facilities that experience a staffing shortage due to an outbreak of COVID-19 at their facility
• Direct the Minnesota Department of Human Services to free up capacity at the state's long-term care facilities

"More than 18 months into the pandemic, our statewide health system is undergoing another intense stress test," said Dr. Rahul Koranne, President and CEO of the Minnesota Hospital Association.

"Many of our hospitals are seeing a sharp rise in patients requiring hospital-level care – from emergency departments to intensive care units."

In addition to the executive actions announced Friday, Walz has asked state lawmakers to tackle the fourth wave of the pandemic with new measures passed in a special session.