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Neighbors,
Governor Walz issued his latest Executive Order on Friday to allow for safe outdoor recreation and asking that they follow new guidelines, which include maintaining 6-foot social distancing, avoiding crowded areas, and staying close to home. The new provisions went into effect today at 5:00 a.m.
Under Executive Order 20-38, facilities that may reopen or remain open include:
- Bait shops for live bait
- Outdoor shooting ranges and game farms
- Public and private parks and trails
- Golf courses and driving ranges
- Boating and off-highway vehicle services, including:
- Marina services
- Dock installation and other lake services
- Boat and off-highway vehicle sales and repair, by appointment only
Campgrounds and dispersed camping, outdoor recreational equipment retail stores, recreational equipment rental, charter boats, launches, and guided fishing remain closed.
It is recommended that Minnesotans continue to take part in outdoor activities close to their primary residence. By doing so, this will protect Minnesotans from spreading COVID-19 and will also limit pressure on rural medical facilities and essential supplies.
House approves takeout beer and wine
On Friday, the Minnesota House passed legislation allowing takeout sales of beer and wine from bars and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The legislation allows bars and restaurants with liquor licenses to sell up to 72 ounces – the equivalent of one six-pack – of beer, cider or hard seltzer and up to 750 milliliters of wine – the equivalent of one bottle – with food orders. The alcoholic beverages must be sold in their original, unopened containers.
Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act becomes law
The legislature met remotely this week, this time to approve the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, which was then signed into law by Gov. Walz. The legislation establishes an emergency insulin program for the Minnesotans who need it the most and requires insulin manufacturers to financially participate in solving a problem they created. My statement is here.
Read the details of the bill here. A video recording of the floor debate can be viewed here. Video of the bill signing news conference and ceremony can be found here.
Additional COVID-19 bills approved
During our remote floor session, we also approved our fourth COVID-19 relief package that will help workers, businesses, and families impacted by this unmatched public health crisis.
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