Mike Stevenson flips his barber shop sign to closed in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, on Wednesday, March 18. Anthony Souffle/Star Tribune/AP

Minnesota's 5.6 million residents will shelter in place starting at midnight on Saturday, Gov. Tim Walz said at a news conference today.

He asked residents to stay at home for two weeks and limit their movement outside to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Residents can still leave their homes for groceries and exercise, Walz said.

The order lasts until April 10.

During that period, the state plans to convert stadiums and arenas into hospitals, and stock up on supplies, the governor said. State officials also hope to alleviate capacity on its intensive care unit.

Walz said he hopes to "strike a proper balance" and make sure "our economy can function" while protecting the most vulnerable and slowing the rate of infection.

"We can get ahead of it," Walz said.