What does Walz’s order say?

The governor let his stay-at-home order — which went into effect on March 28 — expire on May 18. That original order directed Minnesotans to stay home except for essential needs and services or if they worked in critical sectors.

So does that mean things will go back to the way they were before the pandemic?

No. Walz wants vulnerable Minnesotans to continue to stay at home and social distance to protect themselves from the virus. That includes those at-risk for severe illness, such as the elderly or individuals with underlying health conditions. And large gatherings of more than 25 people outdoors and 10 people indoors are still prohibited.

Where are face coverings required?

They must be worn in indoor environments that are open to the public as well as businesses. That includes restaurants, bars, retail settings, public transportation, places of worship and polling places. Masks can temporarily be removed when necessary, such as eating or when you have to show your face for identification purposes.

Does that mean a mask is required everywhere?

No. The order does not mean you have to wear a mask at home, in your vehicle, at private social gatherings or outdoors. However, workers must wear a mask if they are doing their job outdoors and cannot social distance.

What qualifies as a face covering?

They can be a disposable mask, a cloth mask, a neck gaiter, a scarf, a bandanna or a religious face covering. They must cover the nose and mouth. But they should not be made of mesh or have openings, holes or visible gaps. Also, masks with vents or valves do not qualify as they can allow your unfiltered breath to escape.

Are some people exempt from wearing face coverings?

Yes, exceptions apply to those who have medical or health conditions, disabilities or mental health, developmental or behavioral needs that make it difficult to tolerate wearing a face covering. The state does not have a defined list of conditions that qualify for the exceptions.

What about children?

Children who are 2 to 5 years old are not required to wear a face covering, but they are encouraged to do so in public. Masks should not be used for kids who are younger than 2.

What are the requirements for businesses?

Businesses must enforce the mask requirement for their workers, customers and visitors. However, masks are not needed if they are unsafe on the job. Masks are not needed for workers who are alone or are in a cubicle with walls that are face height as long as social distancing is maintained.

So what happens if I don’t wear a face covering when it is required?

State officials say they hope that individuals and businesses will voluntarily comply with the order and that violators will most likely be asked, rather than forced, to comply. But the order does specify legal consequences. Individual violators can be cited with a petty misdemeanor and fined $100. Business owners can be charged with a misdemeanor, fined $1,000 or even jailed up to 90 days. Civil penalties can also be levied against businesses which can come with a fine of up to $25,000. Also, businesses that are regulated, such as bars and restaurants, may be subject to licensure actions.

What businesses are reopened as a result of Walz’s order?

Many small businesses and retailers that were shuttered under the stay-at-home order will be allowed to open but there will be restrictions on operations, such as 50 percent of store capacity, and they’ll need to have measures in place for social distancing for employees and customers. This includes shopping malls, with some restrictions on common spaces. Walz still wants anyone who can work from home to do so.

What about restrictions for bars and restaurants?

Starting June 10, bars and restaurants can start serving customers outdoors and indoors at 50% capacity with distancing measures in place. Both indoor and outdoor dining are capped at 250 individuals. All customers must be seated, including at bars, and businesses must limit the number of customers to allow for social distancing. The new guidelines will allow bands at bars and restaurants, but they must maintain social distancing, and dancing is not permitted.

Can I go to the hair salon or the movies yet?

Businesses such as hair salons and barber shops are open for services now, but they can only operate at 25% capacity, and employees must wear masks and other protective equipment when working with a customer. Starting June 10, they can expand to serving clients at 50% of their normal capacity.

Places such as movie theaters, indoor concert venues, bowling alleys and fitness centers can also open up starting June 10, but at 25% capacity. Pools can open at 50% capacity. Outdoor entertainment is capped at 250 people.

What about outdoor sports, recreation and summer camps? 

The governor said the Department of Natural Resources is still working on guidance to see if summer camps and youth sports can resume in the summer, but those are still largely restricted under the order. The order does allow for “outdoor tournaments, competitions, practices, and sports that allow for social distance” and do not require groups of more than 10 people.

Any update on school closures?

Public K-12 schools across the state are closed under a separate executive order for the remainder of the academic year, and that hasn’t changed. He hasn’t made a decision yet on what will happen with fall classes.

Are churches and other houses of worship open to the public yet?

As of June 10, houses of worship can open at 50% capacity.

Can I start planning my camping trip? 

Starting on June 1, the state is allowing public and private campgrounds to reopen, but officials said there will be new social distancing guidelines and sanitation requirements for common areas in campgrounds.

How is this order enforced?

Anyone who “willfully” violates the order is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in a jail or a fine of up to $1,000. Any business owner or manager who requires an employee to violate the order can be punished with a gross misdemeanor and a fine of up to $3,000 or one year imprisonment. Attorney General Keith Ellison and city and county attorneys can also seek civil penalties against businesses that violate the order.

What if employees returning to work don’t feel safe?

Walz is issuing a new executive order for employees returning to work that will protect them from discrimination or retaliation if they raise concerns about workplace safety.

Is everyone in absolute agreement with this order?

Walz is facing increasing pressure to reopen the state entirely. House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, said in a statement that it’s time for the “arbitrary restrictions he’s placing on our businesses to end.” “Minnesotans are prepared to safely social distance and reopen businesses with proper procedures in place,” he said. “Wisconsin’s restrictions ended three weeks ago; their positive case rates are dropping and other indicators remain stable and well below our rates here in Minnesota.” The Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association, which represents bars and restaurants that sell on-sale liquor, said Minnesota bars and restaurants are ready to be safely opened “as soon as possible for indoor dining.”

What does Walz say?

The governor has stressed repeatedly that social distancing measures were put in place to give the state enough time to build hospital capacity and stock up on ventilators and other supplies to protect healthcare workers. He said the state has “used this time wisely.”

“Minnesota is staying steady in hospitalizations. With the capacity we’ve built while you’ve stayed home, we can chart a new path forward,” he said. “We believe we will be able to handle an increase in cases as more people move out and about.”

Could restrictions come back at any point?

Yes, Walz noted that there are still unknowns about the virus and Minnesotans “must be prepared to dial back if needed.”