Minnesota State Wire

Minnesota continues to see unemployment claims rise and businesses suffer as a result of Gov. Tim Waltz’s stay-at-home order that began in late March.

Recent data shows the state’s unemployment claims numbered nearly 500,000, according to The Center Square.

The state reported an additional 13 COVID-19 deaths May 11, bringing the state’s death toll to 591 deaths, reported MPR News. Still with these numbers, it’s unclear if Waltz will lift his order that is set to expire May 18.

Waltz said last week that Minnesota remains in an unpredictable spot with deaths and cases on the rise and indicated many are not ready to eat out or gather in crowds.

“To do this haphazard, and I think of business owners, if you open up and it becomes clear people got sick being there, it’s every bit as damaging as a stay-at-home order,” Waltz told MPR News. “So we can’t get it wrong.”

The Convention of States Action group has responded to what it considers government overreach during the pandemic throughout the nation and has focused on the increased economic damage that is continuing due to closures and restrictions.

Jackie Burns, the local COSA representative, said in an email that Minnesota is not alone with the damage inflicted upon the communities.

“Minnesota is not unique in the damage done in our communities with the imposed lockdown,” Burns said. “Our media are fanning and fueling the flames of fear over the Wuhan virus and there are many not well informed 'sheeple' who toe the line.”

According to Burns, “small businesses will not have a comeback from this.”

Minnesota has 513,000 small businesses in the state, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Burns believes government officials have overstepped their bounds.

“Limiting the hours of operation at grocery stores causes more people to come into contact. If this were truly an issue why confine?” Burns said. “Our leaders are drunk with power and there seems to be no concern for bringing things back to the status quo.”

Burns noted that she drove to Oregon a few weeks ago and, “every highway that went through a metro area and had a Walmart or big box store had parking lots that looked like it does during the holidays.”

Despite the number of Minnesota coronavirus deaths at fewer than 600 statewide, people are still restricted.

“The numbers reported are not truthful and are beginning to be downplayed," Burns said. "Even with that we are not unleashed to go about our lives. Open the states is taking off here. I have no connection to the leadership behind it but do support it and have responded to let our leaders know they need to represent US, the people whom they represent.”