Coronavirus: Gov. Tim Walz extends Minnesota's Peacetime Emergency
Gov. Tim Walz has extended Minnesota's Peacetime Emergency for another month, as his original order was due to expire this week.
The governor first declared an emergency on Mar. 13, two days before Minnesota detected its first case of "community spread" coronavirus.
It was the first executive order Walz made in 2020. Due to the escalating nature of the pandemic, the extension announced on Monday is his 35th executive action.
Fast-forward a month, there are now 1,650 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, with community transmission now considered widespread.
The Peacetime Emergency charges the Minnesota Department of Health with leading the coordination of the state's response to the virus, with assistance provided by the Homeland Security and Emergency Management department.
The initial order also states that all Minnesota agencies "will work to support healthcare providers, tribal and local governments, and public health organizations as they respond to COVID-19."
"Our actions have saved lives, but the threat of COVID-19 remains," said Gov. Walz.
"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."
The extension of the order will make it effective through May 13.
Minnesota is also under a Stay at Home order, which is currently due to expire on May 4.
