Gov. Tim Walz signed Executive Order 20-78 extending the COVID-19 peacetime emergency that gives the state flexibility to combat COVID-19. With this extension, the peacetime emergency will be in effect until Aug. 12.

“COVID-19 continues to present an unprecedented and rapidly evolving challenge to our state,” said Governor Walz said in a release. “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, there are enhanced protections for veterans in our veterans homes, activating the National Guard to assist in relief efforts, partnering with Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota to launch a statewide testing strategy to test all symptomatic people, and providing economic relief and stability to those impacted by the pandemic.

Read more about Executive Order 20-78 

The emergency can be ended earlier if it is rescinded by Walz or terminated by a majority vote of both houses of the Legislature. 

Including Minnesota, 49 out of 50 states remain in a COVID-19 state of emergency.

To read the original article and see related reporting, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website.  https://www.wdio.com/news/gov-walz-extends-covid-19-peacetime-emergency/5790951/?cat=10335