Dear Neighbors,
This afternoon, Governor Walz issued a statewide “stay at home” order. His order temporarily closes all non-essential businesses in Minnesota and provides guidance on what is considered an essential business.
The Governor also extended the current closures for bars, restaurants, and other public accommodations under previous executive orders until May 1 and issued an Executive Order extending distance learning for schools until May 4.
This is an informational email meant to clarify the order as we understand it at this time. I will provide follow up information as it becomes available.
The "Stay at Home" order will last two weeks and will limit movement outside homes beyond essential trips for two weeks. It is effective Friday, March 27 at 11:59PM until Friday, April 10.
The goal of these measures is to delay the "peak" in total cases and allow Minnesota to build hospital and ICU capacity and stockpile personal protective equipment (PPE) for our clinics and hospital workers. The survival rate for severe cases is 10x higher when patients have the ICU care they need.
I know a lot of people have questions about who is impacted by these closures.
The order allows Minnesotans to leave their residences only to perform any of the following activities and while doing so they should practice social distancing:
- Health/safety activities
- Outdoor activities
- Purchasing necessary supplies and services like groceries and medicine
- Essential and interstate travel
- Care of others
- Displacement
- Relocation to ensure safety
Workers who provide critical services are exempt for the purposes of traveling to their jobs. This list includes but is not limited to:
- Healthcare and public health
- Law enforcement
- Public safety and first responders
- Childcare
- Food and agriculture
- News media
- Energy
- Water and wastewater
- Critical manufacturing
This is not a comprehensive list, and Minnesotans should visit https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/covid/business-exemptions/ for additional guidance.
There is also a state email address that businesses can contact if they have questions: criticalsectors@state.mn.us
If you believe your business is currently designated as non-essential, and would like to request an exemption, visit this link: https://bit.ly/2UF6GpJ
A lot of you have questions about what this means for your business and day-to-day lives. I am including a link to the Governor's full order that explains all the details and provides answers to many of the questions you probably have. You can find the full order here: https://mnhouse.gop/EO_ShelterInPlace
You can also email or call my office, and I will work to get answers to you as quickly as possible.
I understand the stress, confusion, and anxiety that many Minnesotans are feeling during this uncertain time. Please know that legislators at the state and federal levels are working together to provide assistance to families and businesses. The legislature will be meeting tomorrow to pass additional COVID-19 response legislation.
Please reach out to my office if you have questions or if I can assist you in any way.
I can be reached by phone at 701-361-1909 or via email at rep.jeff.backer@house.mn.
Be well,
Jeff