Governor Tim Walz has extended Minnesota’s stay-at-home order until May 4 (from April 10), incorporating more limiting social distancing plans for the state. Minnesota residents are directed to stay home unless absolutely necessary, except for certain exempted work and activities.
Critical Sectors (Includes, but not limited to)
- Agriculture and food
- Bail bond agents
- Child care
- Charitable and social services organizations
- Critical manufacturing
- Education
- Energy
- Federal employees
- Healthcare and public health
- Homeless and emergency shelters, residential facilities and hotels
- Law enforcement, public safety, and first responders.
- Legal services
- News media
- Public transportation drivers
- Veterinarians and animal care
- Water and wastewater
Detailed resources and a complete list of Minnesota’s Critical Sector worker exemptions can be found here.
Permissible Activities
- Health and safety activities—Getting medical supplies or receiving emergency services.
- Outdoor activities—Walking, hiking, running, biking, hunting, fishing, etc.
- Obtaining necessary supplies and services—Grocery shopping, picking up a prescription, getting gasoline, or purchasing
- carry-out food/beverages.
- Care of others—Caring for a friend or family member, pets included.
- Displacement and relocation—Moving between emergency housing or homeless shelters, as well as relocating due to domestic violence, lack of sanitation, or other essential reasons. Moving to a new home or place of residence is also permitted.
- Voting—Permitted, but encouraged to use absentee ballots if possible.
- Funeral services—Gatherings must consist of no more than 10 attendees in a space that allows for six feet of spacing between individuals.
- Tribal activities and lands—Activities by members within the boundaries of tribal reservations
Travel
Essential and interstate travel, such as returning home from another state, is allowed. Although people remain free to leave or enter Minnesota, the state discourages engaging in unnecessary travel during this time.
Enforcement
While all Minnesota residents are strongly urged to obey this Executive Order, compliance still technically remains voluntary. The state of Minnesota is working with local law enforcement to support the order, but residents are not required to carry any paperwork or documentation when traveling to and from their homes.
