Reader Opinion: Keeping us safe Until enough people are vaccinated and the pandemic is under control, as it will eventually be, follow the advice of the health department: Wear a mask properly, social distance, and wash your hands. Written By: Louise Seliski | × I wish to take issue with the recent Guest Opinion by Representative Heintzeman criticizing Governor Walz for following the health department’s rules regarding COVID-19. It is unfortunate that the governor has not been supported in keeping Minnesota safe, as is his duty. My brother, Steve, is one of the 500,000 people who died of COVID-19. He was in intensive care for five weeks on a ventilator. As a result of the pandemic he had double pneumonia, his kidneys began to fail and other organs began to shut down. It was a horrible and painful death. No one should have to experience what he and this family went through.