End of Restrictions in Sight
On Thursday, Governor Walz announced a three phase reopening plan to lift all COVID-19 restrictions on Minnesotans.
This model set by the latest executive order by Governor Walz is similar idea to what my colleague Dave Baker proposed back in March, our “Roadmap to Recovery.” We argued then that with common sense metrics in place Minnesota families and businesses could do what was necessary to keep people safe and reopen our economy. I’m at least pleased the Gov has finally reached this same conclusion, but also feel that now MN can be fully open.
The three phases are as follows:
May 7
Step one takes place at noon on May 7. It includes initial steps to relax some restrictions, primarily in outdoor settings.
• Removes limits for outdoor dining, events, and other get-togethers, and ends the mask requirement outdoors except at large venues with over 500 people.
• Eliminates the state-established mandatory closing time for bars, restaurants, and food and beverage service at other places of public accommodation.
May 28
The second step begins on May 28. The remaining capacity and distancing limits will come to an end, including indoor events and gatherings. The requirements that will remain include:
• Face coverings indoors and for outdoor events that exceed 500 people.
• There will be no new safety requirements for businesses, though they must maintain their plans to keep their employees and customers safe – as they have from the beginning of the pandemic – guided only by a minimal universal state guidance document.
July 1
The third step takes place once 70 percent of Minnesotans age 16 years and older – 3,087,404 Minnesotans – get at least one dose of the vaccine, but no later than July 1.
• The remaining face-covering requirement and the requirement for preparedness plans will end. Work on vaccines will continue, and local jurisdictions and entities may set their own mask policies.
Unfortunately, despite these plans meaning even the governor is admitting the emergency phase of this fight is over, he still has retained his emergency powers. This is disappointing. As I have been pushing for months, our government works better when all voices are heard and proper checks and balances exist.
With vaccine distribution and case counts declining there is also no need for the Governor to have complete control. Emergency Powers aren’t about Covid anymore – it’s about power and control over federal funds coming into our state.
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