Dear Neighbors,
On Wednesday, Governor Walz announced that the state’s Stay at Home order will expire on Monday, May 18th. Starting Monday, all retail stores, malls and other businesses that sell, rent, maintain and repair goods are eligible to reopen as long as they have adopted and implemented a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan including social distancing guidelines for workers and customers, and allow no more than 50% of the establishment’s occupant capacity at any time.
Restaurants, bars, churches, and other public accommodations will have to wait for now.
This announcement is welcomed news for thousands of businesses and employees across Minnesota that will be allowed to reopen on Monday. However, I am concerned that the Governor’s order does not go far enough and forces many businesses in the hospitality industry to remain arbitrarily closed.
I have been in constant contact with local salon and restaurant owners that have put together detailed plans to reopen that keep customers and employees safe. Many of these businesses cannot afford to wait another two weeks before opening. I urge the Governor to reconsider his order and allow these folks to reopen on Monday as well.
If you are a business owner, I encourage you to visit this link that includes helpful information about reopening from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED): https://bit.ly/2Wydckf.
Have a great weekend,
Dave