Minnesota Further Eases Restrictions in its Stay Safe Plan with Executive Order 20-74

Today Governor Walz announced that Executive Order 20-74 (the “Order”) would replace Executive Order 20-63 (“EO 20-63”) in its entirety beginning at 11:59 p.m. on June 9, 2020 (EO 20-63 was previously reported in a legal alert).

The Order focuses on increasing occupant capacity at many businesses previously permitted to operate during Phase II under EO-63 and further permits the reopening of gyms, fitness centers, and entertainment venues, previously required to remain closed.

Specifically, the following changes will occur under the Order:

• Group Gatherings:
  • The maximum gathering of people in any organized setting, whether residential or business, is 250 persons.
  • Private outdoor gatherings have been increased from 10 to 25 people.
  • Private indoor gatherings must remain no larger than 10 people.
  • Social distancing is required and masks are strongly encouraged.
• Restaurants and Bars:
  • Permitted to open for indoor dining and may serve a maximum of 50 people inside and 250 people outside.
  • Operating capacity has increased from 25% to 50%.
  • Reservations and all social distancing requirements previously outlined in Phase II are still required.
  • Employees are still required to wear a mask and all customers will be strongly encouraged to do the same (as much as is practically possible while eating and drinking).
  • See more information here.

• Personal Care Services (Barbershops, Hair Salons, Tattoo Parlors and Nail Salons):
  • Operating capacity has increased from 25% to 50%.
  • Clients are still required to make appointments and walk-ins will not be allowed under any circumstances.
  • Employees and clients are still required to wear masks.
  • See more information here.

• Places of Worship, Religious Services, Weddings and Funerals:
  • Permitted to operate at 50% capacity.
  • May host gatherings of a maximum of 250 people inside or outside.
  • See more information here.

• Gyms, Fitness Centers and Yoga Studios:
  • Permitted to reopen with a capacity of 25% (not to exceed 250 people).
  • Social distancing is required and masks are encouraged as much as possible.
  • Group exercises will be allowed if social distancing requirements can be maintained. Outdoor group exercise is encouraged.
  • See more information here.

• Entertainment Venues (Movie Theaters, Bowling Alleys, Arcades and Museums):
  • Permitted to reopen with a capacity of 25% (not to exceed 250 people).
  • There will be special safety precautions depending on the type of venue.  For example, seated entertainment and recreational entertainment will have different social distancing requirements.
  • Outdoor entertainment venues are permitted to host events for 250 people or less.
  • See more information here and here.

• Sports and Recreational Activities:
  • Permitted so long as any gathering does not exceed 25 people.
  •  Per the June 5, 2020 conference, Governor Walz indicated that guidelines for low-risk and high-risk sports would be forthcoming.
  • Public swimming pools are permitted to reopen with a capacity of 50%.
  • See more information here.

In every circumstance, these changes are only permitted if capacity and social distancing requirements and other safety precautions can be followed.  Further, under no circumstances are gatherings greater than 250 people permitted.

As required during Phase I and Phase II as defined under EO 20-63, those individuals who can work from home, must continue to do so.  Additional detailed guidelines on each phase of the plan can be found here.

Beginning on June 29, 2020 all critical sector businesses are required to have a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in place, as discussed in an earlier Legal Alert. These plans will ensure consumer and employee confidence as Minnesota continues to reopen and move into its next phases.