Coronavirus: Gov. Walz Declares Peacetime Emergency In Minnesota

MINNESOTA — Gov. Tim Walz Friday issued Executive Order 20-01, declaring a peacetime emergency in Minnesota over the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19. "The safety and well-being of Minnesotans is my top priority and we are working around the clock to combat the spread of COVID-19," said Walz in a statement.

"I am declaring a peacetime emergency in Minnesota to ensure the State is able respond to more rapidly to issues as they arrive. We’re looking to the future and preparing for the next chapters of this pandemic as it continues to evolve."

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Walz's declaration comes on the same day that Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm issued a number of community mitigation strategies, which Walz advises and urges Minnesotans to follow, including:

• Cancel or postpone large events in excess of 250 people gathered together;
• Ensure space for social distancing of six feet per person at smaller events and gatherings (less than 250 people); and
• Limit gatherings with participants at high risk for severe disease to less than 10 people.

MDH has confirmed a total of 14 cases of travel-associated COVID-19.

Read more here: 14 Minnesota Cases, Restrictive Strategies Announced

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