Walz extends peacetime emergency

Friday, Gov. Tim Walz again extended the state’s COVID-19 peacetime emergency by 30 days.

Walz said the order gives the state flexibility in responding to the pandemic and distributing the vaccines. His office said 48 other states also have an active peacetime emergency.

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"We are beginning to see the vaccine’s impact in protecting health care workers, first responders, and the elderly in long-term care settings, but we need to remain cautious as we monitor new COVID-19 variants and work to prevent another surge in cases," Walz said. "The peacetime emergency gives us the tools protect Minnesotans’ health and wellbeing and deliver the vaccine in a way that is effective, safe, and equitable."

"The peacetime emergency enabled us to build one of the most robust and accessible testing strategies in the country," Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan added. "These tools are needed now more than ever so that we can continue to strengthen our vaccine distribution, fight this pandemic, and keep Minnesotans healthy."