Governor Tim Walz asked the residents of Minnesota to stay at home order for two weeks. The policy, which aims to minimize the spread of coronavirus, is effective midnight on Friday and until April 10.
According to the order, the people of Minnesota must “stay at home or in their place of residence,” unless they will do essential activities like food and medical help or involved in “Critical Sector Work.”
The list of exempted activities and jobs considered “critical” is in the order, which is accompanied by clarification from the Department of Homeland Secruity’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
Jamie Pfuhl, president of the Minnesota Grocers Association, said grocery stores will remain open. However, she advised people to not rush to the stores.
“By rushing on products, you make it so that there's not enough product left for your neighbors. And we're much more 'Minnesota Nice' than that. We want to make sure that we keep those products on the shelves and that you stick to what your household needs," she said.
The implementation of the stay-at-home policy aims to prevent overwhelming hospitals and intensive care units with sick patients.
Essential jobs, activities
Many parts of public life are halted with Walt'z directive, which could reportedly put nearly 30 percent of Minnesotans out of work.
Meanwhile, some workers are permitted to continue their job if they are deemed “essential.” Some of them are working at utility companies, child care facilities and gas stations.
This allows Minnesota residents to get basic needs at places like grocery stores, hospitals, and pharmacies.
“I’m asking you to buckle it up for a few more weeks here,” Walz said in a televised address.
The other essential jobs that are allowed to report for work in Minnesota are:
- Health care workers
- Law enforcement and first responders
- Emergency shelters
- Child care facilities
- Grocery stores, take-out restaurant service, farmers and other agriculture workers
- News organizations
- Power, gas and water services
- Wastewater treatment and other sanitation or public works
- Critical manufacturing, such as iron ore mining
- Transportation and logistics
- Construction and trades, such as electricians, plumbers and elevator technicians
- Financial services, including workers at banks
