ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesotans are being asked to stay home a little longer.
Gov. Tim Walz announced Thursday the state’s stay-at-home order has been extended to May 18.
“From building out critical hospital capacity to launching a landmark testing strategy, Minnesota has made meaningful progress in preparing for the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Governor Walz said. “Minnesotans have made this possible by staying home and holding down the rate of infection. But now is not the time for sudden movements. There’s more work to be done, and we need to keep this virus at a simmer, not a boil. Our action today prioritizes the safety of Minnesotans while taking cautious, strategic steps toward getting people safely back to work.”
Walz also announced that retail businesses and other non-critical businesses will resume operations with curbside pick-up.
He had the following message to those who think the state should open up now: "They are wrong," he said.
Minnesota’s initial stay-at-home order went into effect March 27 at 11:59 p.m. and was scheduled until May 3 at 11:59 p.m.
Minnesota announced 24 deaths Thursday, which is the state’s second-highest daily total.
Minnesota’s first coronavirus case was March 6. Walz said there will be higher totals of confirmed cases due to increased testing.
