Governor Tim Walz on Friday signed Executive Order 20-89, extending the COVID-19 peacetime emergency.

The move gives the state flexibility in responding to rapidly-evolving issues stemming from COVID-19.

Minnesota’s peacetime emergency protects Minnesotans against evictions and wage garnishment; provides expedited procurement power for personal protective equipment (PPE) and other equipment.

The peacetime emergency has been extended through Oct. 12, unless it is rescinded or terminated by a majority vote of each house of the Legislature.