Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 5, 2020

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June 5, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Walz made two major announcements regarding COVID-19 and systemic discrimination in Minnesota.

Turning of the Dial on COVID-19

COVID-19 continues to present an unprecedented challenge to our state. When our first cases started to appear in Minnesota, we weren’t ready to fight this virus. We needed time, and we asked Minnesotans to stay home so we could prepare. With the capacity that we built while Minnesotans stayed home, we can chart a new way forward. We can take a measured, Minnesota approach that protects public health and improves economic stability.

That’s why today the Governor announced a turning of the dial to open up more of society across the state. Starting Wednesday, June 10, people will be able to head inside to restaurants and bars. Gyms and fitness studios can resume operations. Pools will be open across the state. But all of that will require safe social distancing, strict capacity limits, and wearing masks. Under Phase III of the Stay Safe MN plan:

  • Restaurants can begin offering indoor dining while maintaining social distancing, requiring reservations, and seating no more than 50 percent occupancy.
  • Indoor social gatherings can take place with 10 people or less; outdoor social gatherings can take place with 25 people or less.
  • Gyms, personal fitness and yoga studios, and martial arts may open at 25 percent capacity.
  • Indoor entertainment venues, such as theaters and concert halls, can open at 25 percent capacity.
  • Recreational indoor entertainment venues, such as bowling alleys, arcades, and museums may open at 25 percent capacity.
  • Personal services, such as salons, tattoo parlors, and barbershops, may increase occupancy rates to 50 percent while requiring reservations.
  • Outdoor entertainment venues, such as sporting events, concerts, and theaters may open at 25 percent capacity.
  • Places of worship can increase occupancy rates to 50 percent.

And we are prepared to dial back if needed. We will continue to follow the guidance of public health experts and make data-driven decisions based on key measures from the Minnesota Department of Health

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Changes at the Minneapolis Police Department

Today, the Governor announced that his administration and the City of Minneapolis have agreed on immediate changes to the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD)’s policies. In an unprecedented move, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights filed an emergency court action and an agreed proposed court order that details immediate structural changes that the MPD must begin to implement. The City of Minneapolis agreed to implement structural changes and joined the Minnesota Department of Human Rights in submitting the court order.

Under the proposed court order, the City of Minneapolis agrees to the following terms:

  • Chokeholds are immediately banned;
  • Police officers have a duty to report and intervene if another officer utilizes an unauthorized use of force;
  • The use of crowd control weapons during protests and demonstrations may only be approved by the Chief of Police;
  • Timely and transparent discipline decisions for police officers must be made; and
  • Body camera footage may be audited by the Minneapolis Civil Rights Department.

The proposed court order also requires the MPD to comply with the ongoing civil rights investigation by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.

Everyone can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19

  • Wear masks when in public. 10-50% of virus carriers are asymptomatic wearing masks helps control the virus and has been shown to lower COVID-19 spread.
  • Avoid enclosed spaces with groups of people, where the virus can linger in the air for long periods of time.
  • Get tested if you have cold or flu-like symptoms – Find testing locations.
  • Stay six feet away from others.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or sleeve, or a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands afterwards.
  • Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom or before eating. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose and mouth – with unwashed hands.
  • Up-to-date guidance is available from the Department of Health.

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