Minnesota lawmakers are headed back to St. Paul on Friday for the fourth special session of the year.
Governor Tim Walz is expected to extend the COVID-19 peacetime emergency. The DFL-controlled House of Representatives will vote in favor of the extension, while the GOP-controlled Senate will vote against it.
The governor says that state of emergency allows his administration to respond rapidly to the fast-changing situation of the pandemic, which is now entering a new phase as students head back to school.
“While Minnesota has taken life-saving action, the threat of COVID-19 remains,” Walz said in a statement. “It’s imperative that we have the tools necessary to respond to this rapidly-evolving virus quickly and decisively in order to safeguard the health and wellbeing of each and every Minnesotan.”
The Minnesota Department of Health reported 15 more deaths from COVID-19 on Thursday. The state's death toll stands at 1,884 as schools reopen to students and other activities.
“COVID-19 is unpredictable, and there is still so much that we do not know,” said Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, in a statement. “This pandemic is not over. With the fall and winter months fast approaching, we know the next stages of this virus will continue to present a challenge, especially to underserved communities. We must be prepared to respond quickly and efficiently in order to keep all Minnesotans healthy, safe, and informed.”