On May 20th at 3:00pm, Governor Tim Walz went live to update Minnesotans on plans to reopen business in Minnesota starting on June 1, also known as phase II of Stay Safe MN.
Here’s what you need to know about phase II:
Campgrounds, and organized youth sports and programs will be allowed to operate (without competitive games where family and friends would gather for a long period of time).
Salons will be opening with restrictions:
- 25 percent capacity
- One-on-one appointments made in advance
- Required to wear masks for protection
Restaurants will be opening with restrictions:
- Max capacity of 50 people
- Reservations made in advance
- Only outdoor seating
- Groups no bigger than four
Churches will be opening restrictions:
- Maximum of 25 percent of capacity
- Six feet social distancing
- Can’t exceed 250 people
- Highly recommended to wear masks
The Minnesota State Fair general manager also announced the cancellation of the 2020 Minnesota State Fair.
Minnesota State Fair general manager speaks about the cancellation of the 2020 Great Minnesota Get-Together.
Learn more: https://t.co/4ZpZSVwrIHhttps://t.co/iP4JSyZ7yS via @YouTube
— Minnesota State Fair (@mnstatefair) May 22, 2020
This hasn’t happened since 1946, due to the polio pandemic. And while Minnesotans (us included) are devastated by this decision, it reflects that COVID-19 is still not over, and taking proper precautions to stay safe and healthy is essential.
Governor Walz emphasized that this is the best plan of action for Minnesota to get the economy going while also protecting public health.
Here’s what you need to know about testing:
Walz also addressed the concerns of many Minnesotans about testing. Minnesota now has testing equipment that is capable of testing thousands of people. That means that testing sites are available for Minnesotans with symptoms to go get tested at.
Here’s what’s next:
COVID-19 is not over on June 1st. Although some businesses will start to open, this pandemic is still a major concern. Many places such as gyms, entertainment, pools, and festival-like events will remain closed. Minnesotans are encouraged to stay safe by working remotely if possible, staying home if sick, maintaining proper hygiene, and practicing social distancing. We as Minnesotans play a big role in beating the COVID-19 pandemic and can make a huge impact if we wash our hands, wear masks, and continue to practice social distancing.
Meanwhile, Governor Walz’s decisions continue to show leadership and compassion to the state of Minnesota. He is working to address the concerns of small business owners and has taken them all under consideration, while following the guidance of public health experts and making data-driven decisions.
Walz is practicing social distancing and showing that we can be safe and also start to slowly build the economy back up. And we all need to do our part to keep our families and neighbors safe and healthy as well.
