In an effort to continue to slow the spread of COVID-19, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has announced that he will be extending his stay-at-home order.
The order, which was set to expire April 10, will now extend through April to May 4. This extension also applies to bars, restaurants, and other public accommodations set forth in Executive Orders 20-04 and 20-08.
Minnesotans may leave their residences only to perform any of the following activities, and while doing so, they should practice social distancing:
Health and safety activities, such as obtaining emergency services or medical supplies
Outdoor activities, such as walking, hiking, running, biking, hunting, or fishing
Necessary Supplies and Services, such as getting groceries, gasoline, or carry-out
Essential and interstate travel, such as returning to a home from outside this state
Care of others, such as caring for a family member, friend, or pet in another household
Displacement, such as moving between emergency shelters if you are without a home
Relocation to ensure safety, such as relocating to a different location if your home has been unsafe due to domestic violence, sanitation, or essential operations reasons
Tribal activities and lands, such as activities by members within the boundaries of their tribal reservation
People found violating the order could receive a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
Executive Order 20-33 states that "All workers who can work from home must do so" unless they work in a critical sector listed below.
Workers who work in critical sectors during this time are exempt from the stay-at-home order. This includes, but is not limited to, jobs in:
Healthcare and public health;
Law enforcement, public safety, and first responders;
Emergency shelters congregate living facilities, drop-in centers;
Child care;
Food and agriculture;
News media;
Energy;
Water and wastewater; and
Critical manufacturing.
During the Wednesday press conference, the state reported that its case of COVID-19 doubling rates had been reduced from every 1-2 days to 8 days. Governor Walz credits this reduction to residents taking the stay home order and social distancing seriously.
