Daily Digest for May 21, 2020 Posted at 7:35 a.m. by Cody Nelson
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Good morning. Your Thursday Capitol View is here with what we know about the upcoming reopening plans.
Minnesota leaders are taking a cautious approach to reopening gathering spaces. Bars and restaurants may once again serve customers starting June 1, but only at outdoor tables. In addition, those hard-hit businesses must keep 6 feet between tables, have no more than 50 people on the patio at a time and limit parties to four people (or a family of six). Reservations will be required, as will masks for restaurant workers.
Gov. Tim Walz says it'll be up to consumers to decide when it's safe to return to bars and restaurants. It'll also be customers' choice whether to wear masks to those businesses, as they're encouraged to do.
Personal care businesses like barbershops, salons and tattoo parlors will also be able to reopen. However, they must have social distancing, sanitizing and other coronavirus safety plans in place. They'll be limited to 25 percent capacity, too.
More recreation will be allowed, too. Youth sports will be able to resume some activity, but no team games yet. Campgrounds and charter boats will also reopen.
Indoor worship services will remain capped at 10 or fewer people. Steve Grove, the state’s employment and economic development commissioner, said religious services would be part of that next phase — including allowing outdoor services of up to 100. However, he said singing at those services would have to be limited. As far as COVID-19 goes, “singing is one of the worst things you can do."
For some of the business community, the plan doesn't go far enough. Hospitality Minnesota, a trade group representing many restaurants, resorts and campgrounds, called Walz’s plan “another disastrous setback. ... [this] announcement further delays the incoming revenue these small businesses need to survive ." The state Chamber of commerce said Walz's approach "doesn’t sufficiently recognize the ability of businesses – many of them small businesses – to innovate and protect employees and customers."
Also, state workers are getting that raise after all. Via Brian Bakst: "Two-year state employee contracts that include upcoming raises will remain in effect under a decision by DFL Gov. Tim Walz’s administration that is sure to rile his political rivals." |
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