MN Gov. Walz Explains Decision To Extend Emergency Powers

TWIN CITIES, MN — Gov. Tim Walz Thursday extended the state's coronavirus peacetime emergency that gives his office additional regulatory and executive powers. The emergency powers have been activated since March.

"COVID-19 is taking a deadly toll on our communities and putting a strain on our health care system," Walz said in a news release. "As cases rise throughout the Midwest, it’s more important than ever that we have access to tools to fight this pandemic and protect Minnesotans’ health and well-being."

Walz's office noted that Minnesota hospitals are reaching their capacity to treat COVID-19 as the state sees record-setting highs in new cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.

Minnesota's neighboring states have the highest infection rates in the U.S., and Minnesota's own case positivity rate is above 10 percent. That is double the level at which COVID-19 spread is considered controllable, according to state officials.

A total of 48 other states in the U.S. remain in a state of emergency.

"The situation in Minnesota is incredibly serious," said Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. "We need to be able to respond quickly to rapidly-evolving circumstances so that we can keep Minnesotans safe and save lives. We are all in this together."

Walz's office says the emergency powers are important in the state's fight against COVID-19:

"Minnesota’s peacetime emergency gives the Governor tools to expand Minnesota’s testing capacity; protects Minnesotans against evictions and wage garnishment; provides expedited procurement power for personal protective equipment (PPE) and other equipment; allows Minnesota to follow the advice of public health experts in combatting the spread of COVID-19; protects workers from unsafe worker conditions; requires Minnesotans to wear a face covering in certain settings to prevent the spread of COVID-19; and provides economic relief and stability to Minnesotans and small businesses impacted by the pandemic."

"Minnesota is in a dangerous phase of the pandemic with a dramatic jump in new cases," said Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm in a statement earlier this week.

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"We've seen in other states how bad things can get when you have this kind of growth, and that's why it's critical that we take the right actions now to slow the spread of this disease. These focused actions taken by Governor Walz are designed to address some of the hottest of the hot spots we've seen and reduce the burden on our health care system and the heroes providing care to all of us."

New restrictions to combat spikes

Walz Tuesday announced new restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus in Minnesota. The new restrictions will apply to celebrations, receptions, bars, and restaurants, which are "the most significant sources of COVID-19 outbreaks," according to Walz's office.

Read more: MN Gov. Walz Announces New Coronavirus Restrictions: List

MN Republicans Needle Governor, Call Him 'Supreme Leader Walz'

Minnesota Republicans criticized Walz Tuesday for issuing new restrictions on businesses and social gatherings, saying he is abusing his authority. In an email to media, the party needled the governor by calling him "Supreme Leader Walz."

Read more here.