Governor Tim Walz announced last week that beginning on Monday, May 18th, Minnesotans are no longer under a Stay at Home order, but are now to Stay Safe MN. This means that by staying home, residents of Minnesota successfully helped to push the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and aided the state in having time to get ready to treat those who do fall ill.
More interaction can occur between people over time under the Stay Safe MN precautions. Minnesotans are strongly encouraged to wash hands often, get tested when sick, maintain social distancing, wear a mask, and stay at home whenever you are able. State officials are also encouraging Minnesotans to also pay attention to their mental health, stating that this is a stressful time and that help is available. Resources are available at mn.gov/covid 19/for-minnesotans/get-help/mental-health.jsp.
Under Stay Safe MN, non-critical businesses, like retail stores and main street businesses, can reopen providing that they have a social distancing plan and operate at 50 percent capacity. Currently not allowed are large social, civic, community or faith-based gatherings, sporting or leisure events, concerts and performances, conventions, fundraisers, parades, and fairs and festivals.
Plans are being made by the Walz-Flanagan Administration on how to safely reopen bars, restaurants, barbershops, and salons beginning on June 1.
Along with this information came the warning that if, with the increased activity, cases of COVID-19 increase within the state, the Governor and Lt. Governor Flanagan may resort back to stricter regulations for Minnesotans.
