COVID Restrictions: Gov. Walz Expected To Announce Next Steps Monday, Deal Close On Business Relief
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- An update on Minnesota's COVID-19 restrictions is expected Monday as officials say that lawmakers are close to an agreement for business relief.
According to a representative of Gov. Tim Walz, the governor is expected to announce next steps regarding restrictions to businesses and gatherings on Monday. The current dial-back executive order is set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18.
The governor's representative also says a deal is close on business relief. On Wednesday, Walz announced he will be calling a special session to pass relief for small businesses, workers and families, also slated for Monday. He intends to extend the state's peacetime emergency at that time.
RELATED: Gov. Walz Details Economic Relief Proposal For Small Businesses, Struggling Workers, Families
Meanwhile, state officials are waiting for the latest data of any COVID-19 spread over the Thanksgiving, the representative said.
REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS URGE WALZ TO OPEN GYMS
Republican state lawmakers are urging Democratic Gov. Tim Walz to allow gyms and fitness centers in Minnesota to reopen next week.
On Thursday, Republicans in the state House of Representatives sent a letter to the governor, Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm, and Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove, calling for them to allow gyms and fitness centers to reopen by Dec. 18 or earlier.
RELATED: House Republicans Urge Walz, Health Officials To Allow Gyms To Reopen
Currently, gyms in Minnesota are ordered to be closed as part of a four-week period of tightened COVID-19 restrictions in response to a recent explosion of cases, hospitalizations and deaths. Walz ordered the restrictions last month, and they are set to expire on Dec. 18.