In an effort to maintain Minnesota’s slow infection rate and continue to prepare the healthcare response, Gov. Tim Walz has extended the stay at home order until May 4. This move is expected to push the peak of the pandemic out to July, based on the state models. View Executive Order
On Wednesday, Walz reported that Minnesota has the slowest rate of COVID-19 infections as compared to other states in the nation, but he cautioned that, ”We cannot rest easy; this thing can explode overnight if you don’t take the proper precautions.”
In this Executive Order, Walz:
- Expanded the definition of activities exempt from the order to encourage additional groups of individuals to go back to work.
- Directed his commissioners to continue working toward expanding the exemptions, in an effort to continue to permit certain businesses to reopen.
- Stated that choosing such businesses will be done in a “scalpel-like” manner.
Under this new stay home order, schools will carry on with distance learning, and all bars and restaurants must continue to remain closed for dine-in customers until May 4. After announcing the order, Walz was hesitant to say that students would return to schools on May 4, but that he “wouldn’t close the door.”
Rural Spread
Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said on Wednesday rural Minnesotans are at a higher risk of getting COVID-19. She emphasized the importance of Minnesotans in all corners of the state and in every county to follow stay at home order through May 4.
That includes not gathering with others who do not live in your home for Easter or for other events.
Resources
View Executive Order 20-33 Extending Stay at Home
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Stay Connected
Stay apprised of resources and news on COVID-19 for schools at: MREAvoice.org/covid19
