Governor Tim Walz’s stay-at-home order to Minnesotans takes effect at midnight tonight (Fri 11:59pm) and top Republicans say they hope it’s in effect for as little time as possible. Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka says the governor has the power to make that emergency declaration, however, “I’m also asking him to weigh heavily the consequences to all of the jobs out there, the job creators, and what’s gonna happen — are those jobs still gonna be there after.”
Gazelka says Minnesotans understand what’s necessary to slow the spread of coronavirus and he’s encouraging the governor to lift the stay-at-home order as soon as he can. Walz is banking that a two-week stay-at-home order will slow the spread of COVID, so the state has time to marshall more hospital beds and medical supplies before cases begin to peak in Minnesota.