On May 13, 2020, Minnesota Governor Walz announced the safe reopening of places of employment and the expansion of non-work activities through a phased “Stay Safe Plan.”
Phase I (May 18 – June 1, 2020):
On May 18, 2020, pursuant to Executive Order 20-56 (the “Phase I Order”), the Stay At Home Order issued by Executive Order 20-20, which was extended by Executive Order 20-33 and Executive Order 20-48, was rescinded and the Phase I Order went into effect. The Phase I Order provided, in part, that:
- Gatherings of up to 10 people allowed;
- Retail establishments could reopen at 50% capacity;
- Restaurants and bars remain limited to delivery and take out only; and
- Personal services, gyms, indoor events and entertainment remain closed
Phase II (June 1, 2020- June 9, 2020):
On June 1, 2020, pursuant to Executive Order 20-63 (the “Phase II Order”), the Phase I Order was rescinded and the Phase II Order when into effect. The Phase II Order provided, in part, that:
- Gatherings of up to 10 people allowed;
- Retail establishments could reopen at 50% capacity;
- Restaurants and bars could open for outdoor dining, provided 6 feet of distance maintained and workers wore masks;
- Personal services (such as salons and barbershops) could reopen at 25% capacity with appointments, provided workers and customers wore masks; and
- Gyms, indoor events, and entertainment remained closed
Phase III (Beginning on June 10, 2020):
On June 10, 2020, pursuant to Executive Order 20-74 (the “Phase III Order”), the Phase II Order was rescinded and the Phase III Order when into effect. The Phase III Order provides, in part, that:
- Indoor gatherings of up to 10 people allowed;
- Outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people allowed;
- Retail establishments can reopen at 50% capacity;
- Restaurant and bars can reopen for indoor dining at 50% capacity, and outdoor dining, provided 6 feet of distance maintained, reservations taken, and workers wear masks
- Personal services (such as salons and barbershops) can reopen at 50% capacity with appointments, provided workers and customers wear masks;
- Gyms can reopen at 25% capacity, provided 6 feet of distance maintained; and
- Indoor events and entertainment can reopen at 25% capacity, provided 6 feet of distance maintained
These phased orders also require work from home whenever possible, require that non-critical businesses establish a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan prior to reopening, require that critical business have a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan by June 29, 2020, encourage that masks and face coverings are worn when in public, urge at-risk persons to stay at home, and discourage unnecessary travel. Further phased orders are expected to be issued as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve in the State of Minnesota. Check these links for more information on the Minnesota Stay Safe Plan, and industry guidance on reopening issued by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
If you have any questions about your compliance with these orders, please contact us at Segal Duffek Moen.
