Minnesota Extends Stay-At-Home, Closure Orders Through May 18, Permits ‘Curbside Commerce’
Minnesota State Governor Tim Walz has issued Executive Order 20-48, which extends, but slightly relaxes, his previous COVID-19-related stay-at-home and closure orders through May 18, 2020.
Importantly, beginning May 4, 2020, customer-facing retail businesses will be permitted to engage in curbside or outside pick-up and delivery, as long as they:
- Do not permit customers to enter the business premises;
- Have created a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan that follows Minnesota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards (the state has released a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan template); and
- Are following the health and safety protocols outlined in EO 20-48, including conducting health screenings of workers.
The Governor stated that online payment should be used in every possible scenario, and employees and customers should wear masks and personal protective equipment during the curbside transactions. Social distancing guidelines will continue to apply, and customers are encouraged to stay in their vehicle.
The state estimates the retail reopening will allow 30,000 Minnesotans to return to work.
The Governor also identified the following milestones the state hopes to achieve by early May: revising the ban on elective surgery, opening additional customer-facing businesses, allowing small family gatherings, opening places of worship, and finally, opening high-contact businesses such as barbershops and salons.
For an overview on Minnesota’s previous executive orders, see our articles, May The Fourth Be With You: Minnesota Stay-At-Home Order Extended to May 4 and Minnesota Stay at Home Order.
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