Minnesota’s “stay at home order” extended until May 4th

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has extended Minnesota’s stay-at-home order until May 4 as the number of COVID-19 deaths in the state continues to rise.

The original order was scheduled to end Friday.

Walz said Wednesday that the order has bought Minnesota valuable time to slow the spread of the coronavirus but must continue.

He says Minnesota has succeeded better than nearly all the other states in slowing it down, but can’t rest easy.

Walz’s new order also extends the closure of bars, restaurants and other public accommodations until May 4.

Minnesota reported five new deaths Wednesday for a total of 39.