Governor Tim Walz today implemented Executive Order 20-48, which extends the Stay at Home Order until May 18, and allows all retailers to open for curbside pickup. Guidance on which businesses are allowed to return to work under EO 20-48 can be found here & here. In addition, the state has a comprehensive and detailed website for businesses to reference on safely returning to work, including FAQs.

In general, the order:

• Extends the Stay at Home order until May 18.
• Requires workers that can work from home to continue to do so.
• Encourages all to wear a mask when outside their home.
• Critical sector businesses that were already allowed to remain open can continue to do so.
• In addition to the non-critical industrial/manufacturing businesses allowed to open this week, the order permits all retail businesses to conduct curbside/outside pickup, without entering the place of business effective May 4. Salons continue to remain closed, but can conduct sales of retail product via curbside pickup. All of these businesses must adopt a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan prior to reopening. Plan templates are available via:
  • The MN Department of Labor and Industry here & here.
  • The MN Chamber of Commerce here.
  • A webinar was conducted by Greater Mankato Growth on this topic here.
  • The Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development has released tools for employers as they screen their employees upon coming to work including a symptom screener app and no-touch infrared forehead thermometers provided at wholesale prices by Target.