Walz announces extension to COVID-19 peacetime emergency
Gov. Tim Walz speaks during a news conference at the Department of Public Safety in St. Paul, Minn. on Saturday, May 23, 2020.[Evan Frost /Minnesota Public Radio via AP]
Monday, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced the extension of Minnesota’s peacetime emergency meant to combat COVID-19.
With the extension, the peacetime emergency will be in effect until Aug. 12. The emergency can be ended earlier if it is rescinded by Walz or terminated by a majority vote of both houses of the Legislature.
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"COVID-19 continues to present an unprecedented and rapidly evolving challenge to our state," Walz said. "The peacetime emergency has provided us tools to save lives and mitigate the devastating impacts of this pandemic. As cases skyrocket in other states, we can’t let our guard down now."
Under the emergency, Minnesotans are protected against evictions and wage garnishments. The order also allows the state to continue to procure PPE and other equipment.