Walz easing stay-at-home order, allowing more businesses to re-open

Retail stores and other main street businesses in Minnesota can re-open Monday if they have a social distancing plan and operate at 50 percent occupancy, Governor Tim Walz said Wednesday as he announced he’s letting his stay-at-home order expire.

Walz says family-and-friend gatherings of 10 people or fewer can resume, and his administration is preparing guidance on how to safely re-open bars, restaurants, barbershops, salons and fitness centers beginning June 1st.

But Walz stresses that to avoid an overwhelming peak in COVID-19, Minnesotans must double-down on efforts at social distancing, wear masks when out shopping, and continue to work from home if they can. He says, don’t gather in large groups, whether at a backyard barbecue or a religious service.