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Dear Neighbors,
The governor announced phase 2 of his Stay Safe MN plan this week. Phase 2, which will begin June 1, centers around restaurants, bars, and personal services like salons and barbershops. June 1, restaurants and bars are allowed to open for outdoor dining only, with 6 feet between tables, no more than 50 people, and a party size of 4 total, or 6 if it's a family. Reservations are required, staff must wear masks, and customers are strongly encouraged to wear them also, especially when interacting with workers.
Personal care businesses like salons, barbershops, and tattoo parlors are allowed to operate at 25% capacity. Masks are required for patrons and workers, and appointments are required - no walk-ins.
Campgrounds and charter boats will also be allowed to operate. Campsite configuration must be socially distant, and charter boats must also allow for social distancing unless the occupants are a family.
This new guidance, especially on churches, is completely contradictory and has no clear basis in science. The governor gave no clear reasoning on why these contradictions exist, instead saying that the environment of a restaurant is more ‘predictable’ than a church service. I think most churchgoers would beg to differ.
Big box stores have no limits on capacity indoors, but churches are restricted to 10 or fewer, salons and barbershops are limited to 25% capacity, and restaurants are still completely closed for indoor service.
Restaurant patios are allowed to serve 50 people, but outdoor church services are limited to 10.
Campgrounds are forced to remain closed until June 1 — and there's no explanation why they can't be open for Memorial Day weekend but it will be OK on June 1.
If the governor wants to ensure that his guidance is fair and fact-based, I think he has a lot more work to do to get there. This week's announcement makes clear that there is no rhyme or reason to these restrictions.
This weekend as we celebrate Memorial Day, I hope we can all take a moment to reflect on the meaning of the holiday. It is a time to recognize the sacrifices given by all of our fallen military members in pursuit of our country and our freedom. I am so grateful to everyone who has sacrificed for this country and the freedoms we have. God bless America, and God bless the brave men and women who have sacrificed to defend our grateful nation.
 
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