Stay at Home order extended to May 4: What you need to know

Dear Neighbors,

Governor Walz just announced the Stay at Home order that went into effect on March 27 is being extended to 11:59pm on May 3, 2020. Click here for answers to frequently asked questions about what this means for you, your business, and your family. 

I want to acknowledge the sacrifices you and your family are making and thank you for everything you are doing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. No one takes this decision lightly and I trust Governor Walz when he says this will help to save lives. Minnesota is rising to the challenge and following public health guidelines -- and it’s making a big difference to keep people healthy relative to other states’ experiences. This extension will allow Minnesota to build new hospital capacity and buy ventilators and masks, plan for how to protect those most at risk, expand testing, and free up time for health care giants like the Mayo Clinic to develop critical treatments for the virus.

Consistent with the extended Stay Home Order, Executive Order 20-33 also extends the closure of bars, restaurants, and other public accommodations through 11:59 pm on May 3, 2020 and outlines exemptions to the Stay Home Order, including exempted activities and critical sector workers. 

This includes but is not limited to jobs in:

Healthcare and public health.
Law enforcement, public safety, and first responders.
Child care.
Emergency shelters.
Homeless shelters.
Food and agriculture.
News media.
Energy.
Water and wastewater.
Critical manufacturing.
Public transportation drivers.

If you still have questions about whether your business's workers are eligible for the Critical Sector work exemption after utilizing the resources above, please contact the Department of Employment and Economic Development at CriticalSectors@state.mn.us. 

Thank you again for everything you and your family are doing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We are all in this together, and we will get through these unprecedented times by caring for one another. Please contact my office if I can be of assistance with helping you navigate resources such as financial assistance for businesses and workers. My full contact information is listed at www.house.mn/57A. 

Sincerely,

Robert Bierman
State Representative