Governor Walz issued Executive Order 20-56 authorizing some businesses to reopen provided that they comply with OSHA, MDH, and CDC guidelines. The Order went into effect on May 17, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. and remains in effect until May 31, 2020.

Reopened non-critical business must establish and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan that provides for the implementation of Minnesota OSHA standards, MDH guidelines, and CDC guidelines. Each plan must address the following:

• Require work from home whenever possible;
• Ensure that sick workers stay home;
• Establish social distancing policies and procedures;
• Establish hygiene and source control policies for workers; and
• Establish cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation protocols for areas within the workplace.

Beginning on June 1, 2020, bars and restaurants may begin serving customers outdoors only as long as customers maintain at least six feet of social distance and the number of customers does not exceed 50. Barbers, salons, tattoo shops, and the like may operate at partial capacity as long as patrons wear masks, schedule their appointments ahead of time, and maintain six feet of social distance.

Essential businesses under current CISA guidelines may continue to operate. However, whether the business is deemed critical or not, any employees who are able to work from home must continue to work from home.

Questions? Contact our Minnesota office at (952) 746-1700