Coronavirus: Gov. Tim Walz Extends Peacetime Emergency

MINNESOTA — Gov. Tim Walz Monday signed Executive Order 20-35, extending the new coronavirus peacetime emergency in Minnesota for 30 more days. "Our actions have saved lives, but the threat of COVID-19 remains," Walz said in a statement.

"The next stages of this pandemic are going to challenge us – an extension of Minnesota’s peacetime emergency will allow us to protect Minnesotans’ health and wellbeing and continue to respond effectively to this rapidly-evolving situation."

Walz declared a peacetime emergency to respond to the COVID-19 crisis on March 13. On March 15, Minnesota detected the first confirmed cases caused by "community spread" —infections not epidemiologically linked to overseas travel.

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By March 17, all 50 states had reported a confirmed case of COVID-19. And on March 21, the Minnesota Department of Health announced the first confirmed fatality due to COVID-19 in Minnesota.

Since the governor declared a peacetime emergency, Minnesota has taken unprecedented steps to respond to COVID-19:

• Closure of schools and implementation of a distance learning period
• Activation of the National Guard to assist in relief efforts
• Measures to preserve personal protective equipment
• Temporary closure of bars, restaurants, and other places of public accommodation
• Efforts to provide economic relief and stability
• Regulatory changes allowing our state agencies and licensing boards
• Directed Minnesotans to stay at home to slow the spread of the virus

As of Monday, 1,650 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Minnesota. Seventy people have died.

Monday's extension of the peacetime emergency is necessary for many of these measures to continue, according to Walz's office.

This extension of the peacetime emergency is effective Monday through May 13, 2020.

Also read: Minnesota Cops Will Be Told Addresses Of People With Coronavirus