COVID-19 News: Walz extends emergency decree through May 13

Gov. Tim Walz has extended Minnesota’s state of emergency for an extra 30 days, giving himself the power to issue executive orders to address the COVID-19 public health crisis through May 13.

Since Walz issued the original order March 13, he has used his emergency powers to close schools, bars and restaurants, and ordered Minnesotans to largely stay home to slow the spread of the virus.

Officials said Monday that 29 more Minnesotans have tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing the state’s total of confirmed cases to 1,650. The death toll remains at 70.