On Wednesday, Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order directing Minnesotans to stay home in an effort to combat the coronavirus outbreak. In response, Senator Jerry Relph (R-St. Cloud) issued the following statement:

“I share the governor’s concern about the health and safety of Minnesotans in light of the coronavirus outbreak here and around the nation. I know this situation has caused severe hardship for so many people. There is a lot of uncertainty right now; we must work together to find a reasonable way forward for the wellbeing of all Minnesotans. I feel for the businesses and employees who are really suffering because of this unprecedented economic shutdown. I am hopeful that, by working together, we can find a way to defeat the coronavirus and get our economy working again.

“The executive order goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 27 and remains in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 10. Bars and restaurants will remain closed until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1. Schools will remain closed, but will implement distance learning, until at least Monday, May 4. There are a number of “critical services” exempted from the order, including health care workers, law enforcement and public safety officers, childcare providers, food and agricultural workers, news media, energy workers, water and wastewater workers, and employees at critical manufacturing.

“My office remains open and functioning during these uncertain times. Please do not hesitate to get in touch. You can find additional facts about the governor’s executive order on his website: https://mn.gov/governor/covid-19/faq.jsp”

Senator Jerry Relph represents St. Cloud, Waite Park, St. Augusta, and the surrounding areas in the Minnesota Senate.