Walz signs orders to suspend evictions, support small businesses

Gov. Tim Walz also signed four more executive orders to suspend evictions, support small businesses, address hospital equipment shortages and clarify an earlier order on elective surgeries.

The public COVID-19 hotline remains open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and can be reached at 651-201-3920.

Walz said he's taking a "hard look" at a shelter-in-place order, which a few states have already done. However, as of Monday, Walz said he wasn't ready to go to those lengths.

The governor added that it's likely closings for schools and businesses, such as bars and restaurants that have already been ordered to close, will be extended past March 27th. As with shelter-in-place, Walz said he's not yet considering closing schools for the rest of the year but as the situation evolves that may become necessary.

Monday, Walz said he will self-quarantine for 14 days after learning he came into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

Additionally, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar issued a statement Monday saying her husband, John, has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently hospitalized with pneumonia.

Meanwhile, Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said late Sunday night that her brother died from COVID-19 in Tennessee.

According to the Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering, the virus has infected about 353,692 people worldwide and killed about 15,430.

More than 100,443 people have recovered so far.

The COVID-19 illness causes mild or moderate symptoms in most people, but severe symptoms are more likely in the elderly or those with existing health problems.

KSTP's complete COVID-19 coverage