For those wondering why flags at several buildings are being flown at half-mast today (Aug. 19), it is because Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz directed all flags at state and federal buildings to be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset to remember, mourn and honor lives lost due to COVID-19.

In a statement, Walz said, “Thousands of Minnesotans have lost friends and family members to COVID-19. Each life is a devastating loss to our state. We lower our flags to honor and remember those lives and commit slowing the spread of this deadly virus.”

Individuals, businesses and other organization are encouraged to join in the lowering of their flags to honor victims of COVID-19. To date, 1,738 Minnesotans have had deaths attributed to the pandemic.