COVID-19 Resources for Retailers

COVID-19 Resources for Retailers

A strong retail community is important during all seasons, but especially in times of uncertainty such as the conditions surrounding COVID-19. Below are resources for retailers.

(Updated May 24, 2021, 2:05 p.m.)

During today's briefing, Governor Walz announced an important step to get Minnesotan back to work. The announcement featured a partnership with the University of Minnesota, Mayo Clinic and other to get Minnesota to 20,000 COVID-19 diagnostic tests a day. The Health Commissioner said the new plan starts today with encouraging Minnesotan with COVID-19 symptoms to seek a test. Read more in this Star Tribune story: https://www.startribune.com/gov-tim-walz-announces-increased-covid-19-testing/569860492/

April 20: State Asks For Feedback On Draft Work Safety Plan

Today the Administration rolled out a draft Work Safety Plan, and feedback on the draft is being solicited.  From the announcement: "During this time, we are looking at how non-critical sector employees can get back to work safely, when teleworking is not an option. One important component of allowing non-critical industries to return to work will be ensuring that these businesses have a plan for how to follow CDC guidance at their workplace. To make the development of such a plan easier on employers, we’ve built a template plan that any employer could feel free to use, if helpful. We’d like to get public feedback on that template, which is why we’re opening it up for public comment on the DLI website. Please take a look and send your comments to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.."

April 17: Governor Walz Expands Outdoor Recreation; Governor Walz to Sign Bill Allowing Sale of Malt Liquor & Wine With To-Go Orders Today; MnRA Releases Critical Next Steps Plan

Today Governor Walz expanded allowable outdoor recreational activities in Executive Order 20-38. The order--taking effect tomorrow (Saturday, April 18) at 5:00 a.m.--allows Minnesotans to enjoy outdoor activities while maintaining social distancing guidelines including:

• Maintaining 6-foot social distancing
• Avoiding crowded areas
• Staying close to home.

Some of the facilities that are reopening or remaining open under Executive Order 20-38 are:

• Bait shops for live bait
• Outdoor shooting ranges and game farms
• Public and private parks and trails
• Golf courses and driving ranges
• Boating and off-highway vehicle services, including:
• Marina services
• Dock installation and other lake services
• Boat and off-highway vehicle sales and repair, by appointment only

Outdoor recreational equipment retail stores remain closed.

Malt Liquor and Wine Sale with To-Go Orders: Yesterday and today the Legislature took action to allow restuarants to temporarily sell malt liquor and wine with to-go orders if sold in their original, unopened packaging -- a change welcomed by Minnesota's restaurateurs. The Governor is expected to sign the bill as early as this evening.

MnRA Releases Critical Next Steps Plan: The Minnesota Retailers Association released guidance to the Governor, Legislature, and retail businesses throughout Minnesota about a phased approach to re-opening business across the state. We look forward to work closely with the Governor, elected officials, and retailers on important next steps that both balance public health and economic health as well.

Phase 1 – Immediately we request that Gov. Walz and state officials take action on the following:

• Make all organizations impacted by COVID-19 eligible for the State DEED Emergency Loan Program;
• Delay May 15 business property tax payments 60 days & assist impacted local governments;
• Extend and increase funds for the Federal Paycheck Protection Program;

Phase 2 – In the short term, we believe strongly that the following actions can be commenced:

• Open up curbside shopping and delivery so main street retailers in every Minnesota community can generate some cash flow;
• Take action to expand widespread COVID-19 antibody testing and tracing critical to getting Minnesotans back to work;

Phase 3 – In the mid-term, we believe retailers should be permitted for the following:

• Let stores reopen to consumers under social distancing store best practices;
• Ultimately, we recognize that there is a "new normal" for Minnesotans and we want to shift business to be as accessible and successful after dealing with serious challenges during the "Stay At Home" order.

Click here for a PDF version of the full plan.

April 13: Governor Walz Extends Minnesota's Peacetime Emergency To May 13

As expected, the Governor extended Minnesota's peacetime emergency today through May 13 with Executive Order 20-35.

April 10: Minnesota Revenue Extends Sales and Use Tax Remittance For Restaurants, Bars & Others In Executive Order 20-04 To May 20; Navigating Retail Relief Webinar On YouTube

The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced yesterday that they are extending the sales and use tax remittance grace period to May 20, 2020 for businesses identified in Executive Order 20-04. That order and a clarification under Executive Order 20-08 covers bars, restaurants, and other places of public accommodation such as bowling alley and golf courses. Those specific businesses with a sales and use tax payments due March 20 and April 20 will now have until May 20 to make the payment. Businesses are instructed to still file their returns by the due dates. Note: This delayed payment is not extended to non-essential businesses under the Governor's Stay At Home orders.

Navigating COVID-19 Retail Relief Webinar Available Now On YouTube: If you missed yesterday's Navigating COVID-19 Retail Relief webinar, we recorded the presentation and have made it available on YouTube. This webinar is helpful in bringing some light onto what local, state, and federal relief programs are available for retailers. A special thank you to Tom Johnson from Boulay for joining us and sharing information on the Paycheck Protection Program.

April 8: Governor Extends Stay At Home Order Including Non-Essential Business Restrictions To May 4; Aligns Restaurants/Bars/Others To Same Date; PPE Mask Update; $600 Federal Unemployment Bump In Place   

• Replaces and extends the existing Stay At Home order (20-20) until May 4.
• Keeps non-essential businesses closed (20-20) until May 4.
• Moves restaurants, bars and other places of public accommodation (barbers, bowling alleys, etc.) restrictions and closures (20-04 and 20-08) to May 4.
• Allows lawn, outdoor maintenance, landscaping and garden centers to open providing social distancing standards are followed.
• Clarifies that businesses may perform basic on-site activities to support minimum tasks related to security, payroll and working from home.
• Allows auto, motorcycle, RV and ATV sales for essential travel supporting critical sectors by appointment.

April 6: Unemployment Insurance Modification Executive Order; Barber & Cosmetologist Late Fees Waived, Renewals Extended

Rules relating to delaying or suspending unemployment insurance benefits due to vacation pay, sick pay, or personal time are suspended under Executive Order 20-29, and a federally required notice for employers is implemented. According to the Governor at a 2:00 p.m. press conference, these changes are designed expediate the availability of payments to unemployed Minnesotans.  Also issued today was Executive Order 20-28. which among other things waives late fees and extends license renewals for barbers and cosmetologists.

April 2: Paycheck Protection Program Live Tomorrow

Small businesses throughout the Minnesota can begin applying for the federal Paycheck Protection Program tomorrow. Here is what you need to know:    

What Is it?

• The Paycheck Protection Program is a nearly $350 billion program intended to provide small businesses with eight weeks of cash-flow assistance through 100% federally guaranteed loans. It is designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep workers on their payroll.
• Loans will be given first-come, first-served.
• The program is available until June 30, 2020.

Who is eligible?

• Small businesses with fewer than 500 employees are eligible for this program, including non-profits, sole proprietorships, self-employed individuals, independent contractors (gig economy workers), and veteran organizations.
• Businesses in certain industries may have more than 500 employees if they meet the SBA’s size standards for those industries listed here: https://www.sba.gov/document/support--table-size-standards
• Small businesses in the food or hospitality industry with more than one location are also eligible at the store and location level if the store employs less than 500 workers. (Meaning each store location could be eligible.)
• Businesses must prove that their business has been affected by the coronavirus slowdown.
• Businesses also must have been in operation as of February 15 to be eligible.

What are the benefits?

• Loans can be up to 250% of the borrower’s average monthly payroll costs.
• The entire loan tops out at $10 million.
• Payroll costs can include: salaries, bonuses, retirement benefits, parental leave, health care benefits, and more.
• Employee’s salaries top out at an annual compensation of $100,000
• Loans can be forgiven if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interests, or utilities.
• Forgiveness will be reduced if full-time headcount declines or if salaries and wages decrease.
• Borrowers must provide documentation of these expenses in a loan forgiveness application.
• No collateral or personal guarantees are required.
• The government or the lenders will not charge small businesses any fees.
• You have the opportunity to quickly rehire employees that were laid off due to COVID-19 to recoup their wages through loan forgiveness.
• The first payment on your loan is deferred for six months to one year.
• The loan has a maturity of 2 years.
• The interest rate is capped at 1 percent. Note: this interest rate has changed from 4 to .5 percent over the past few days. It appear 1 percent is the final rate.
• The loan is approved far more quickly than previous SBA-backed loans.

How do you apply?

• You are able to apply through any SBA-approved lender. Here is a website to find a lender: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/paycheck-protection-program-ppp
• Or you can apply through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that participates.
• You will need to provide your lender with payroll documentation.

When do you apply?

• Small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply beginning April 3.
• Independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply beginning April 10.

What is the first step?

• Have a conversation with your accountant or financial advisor.
• If you want to begin preparing your application follow this download link to see the information that will be requested: https://www.sba.gov/document/sba-form--paycheck-protection-program-ppp-sample-application-form

April 1: New (Mandated) Federal Employment Posters For Small Businesses Available

March 23: Governor Announces New MN Small Business & Independent Contractor Loan Program, Suspension of Evictions, Income Tax Date Change To July 15 And Reporting of Personal Protective Equipment; MnRA Joins Peers In Calling For Relief For Retailers

Governor Tim Walz, joined by other administration officials, delivered today's updates via telephone as he is in self-quarantine after having a member of his security detail test positive for COVID-19. The Governor commented in an earlier video message on Twitter that he does not have symptoms but deems it important to respond according to the guidance health officials are giving all Minnesotans.

The Governor commented that he is watching the numbers closely as he weighs a stay-at-home or shelter-in-place order, saying that we aren't there yet and Minnesota's by-and-large are doing a good job staying at home.

In other news, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan announced her brother, a Tennessee resident who was fighting cancer, died after testing positive for COVID-19. And U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar said her husband is hospitalized with COVID-19. The Governor predicted that by the end of the pandemic, 40 to 80 percent of Minnesotans will have COVID-19, noting most will not require treatment. The Governor also offered sympathy to the family of the first Minnesota COVID-19 death confirmed Saturday.

MnRA extends our deepest condolences to the Lt. Governor and her family on their loss as well as to the family of Minnesota's first victim , and we send healing thoughts to Kolbuchar's husband John Bessler.

New Small Business And Independent Contractor Loan Program

The Governor and Department of Employment and Economic Development Steve Grove announced a small business and independent contractor loan program designed to be a resource that can be accessed quickly, even before Federal Small Business Administration loans are available. The details of the program are:

• Eligible businesses are those impacted by Executive Order 20-04 relating to dine-in service restrictions at bars and restaurants and other public accommodation businesses.
• Loan amounts available range from $2,500 and $35,000.
• The loans are 50 percent forgivable with a zero percent interest rate.
• The loans have a five year payback period and are done with the assistance of certified nonprofit lender.
• The Executive Order also allows cities and counties to use State revolving loan funds to assist businesses.
• Click here to access more information on the program and the applicaiton process.

Commissioner Grove mentioned that this action frees up $58 million in assistance for small businesses. He also mentioned that since last week the State has received 123,624 applications for unemployment. Click here to read Executive Order 20-15.

MnRA appreciates the Walz administration opening this new quick-action loan program.

Housing Evictions Suspended

The Governor issued Executive order 20-14, suspending housing evictions across the state. Click here to read Executive Order 20-14.

State Individual Income Tax Day Moved To July 15 To Align With Federal Change

Following the Federal government's change to July 15 last week, the Governor announced Minnesota's individual income tax day has changed to July 15.

Businesses Directed To Inventory and Preserve Vital Medical

Equipment

Executive Order 20-16 instructs businesses, non-profits and non-hospital health care facilities to inventory and report possession of personal protective equipment, "ventilators, respirators, or anesthesia machines (including any consumable accessories to these devices) that are not required for the provision of critical health care services or essential services and were not produced by the organization for the purpose of sale". That inventory must be done and reported by March 25 at https://mn.gov/ppe. Click here to read Executive Order 20-16.

MnRA Joins Peers In Requesting Relief In Letters To State And National Leaders

MnRA joined peer organization in articulating critical relief needed by retailers dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read the letters here:

• Letter to Governor Walz and Legislative Leaders
• Letter to President Trump and Legislative Leaders

March 21: SBA Disaster Loan Program Available To Minnesota Small Businesses

This morning the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced the opening of Small Business Administration loans under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. According to DEED:

• "This program can provide low-interest loans of up to $2 million to small businesses and private non-profits. 
• These loans can go toward working capital to meet needs including payroll, accounts payable, and fixed debt payments that can’t be paid due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  
• The current interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses. The non-profit rate is 2.75%. 
• These loans have long-term repayment options, up to a maximum of 30 years."

To apply online visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

For more information visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Information/EIDLLoans.

March 20: Governor Announces Price Gouging Executive Order; Federal Government Pushes Tax Day To July 15

Price Gouging Prohibition And Enforcement: After highlighting that Minnesota does not have a price gouging law, the Governor announced Executive Order 20-10, prohibiting price gouging and granting the State Attorney General investigation and enforce authority during the COVID-19 pandemic. His announcement specifically mentioned out of state sellers that may be operating in an unethical manner. See the Executive Order 20-10 here. The Executive Order takes effect March 21 at 5:00 p.m.

Provisions in the Executive Order include:

• Applying to and defining essential goods as "vital and necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of the public, including without limitation: food, water, fuel, gasoline, housing, shelter, transportation, health care goods and services, pharmaceuticals,medical supplies, and personal hygiene, sanitation, and cleaning goods".
• Prohibiting charging prices that are a "gross disparity" to a price charged in the immediate 30 days (unless justified).
• Prohibiting price increases of more than 20% compared to the immediate 30 days (unless justified).
• Prohibiting a price that "grossly exceeds" similar goods sold at other area stores (unless justified).

Federal Government Moves Tax Day To July 15; MN Indicates It Will Follow: Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced this morning that the Federal government has elected to push the April 15 income tax filing date to July 15, with no interest or penalty. During this afternoon's State press conference, Governor Walz commented that Minnesota will likely conform to that Federal change soon. It is unclear if the Legislature will need to meet to approve a Minnesota change.

Governor Says He Is Considering Closing Shopping Malls And Allowing Restaurants To Offer Take-Out Alcohol: At today's press conference a reporter asked the Governor if he is considering closing shopping malls. He responded that he is considering such a move and will consider that and other actions such as allowing golf courses to open (with social distancing) over the coming days. The Governor also mentioned he is considering allowing restaurants to offer alcohol to consumers as take-out items, a service not allowed today.

March 19: Congress Passes & President Signs Emergency Paid Sick Leave Program & Extended FMLA For Businesses Under 500 Employees; Restricted Business List Clarified; Food Distribution Workers Classified As Tier 2 Emergency Workers

As a result of Congress passing and the President singing the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) last night, the following federal programs are created:

Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (Effective April 2, 2020): Employers with fewer than 500 employees are required to give all employees with a qualifying need related to COVID-19 (subject to stipulations in the law) emergency paid sick leave. Under the law, employers are required to provide the equivalent of two weeks of paid sick leave if an employee is unable to work or telework due to COVID-19 (again subject to stipulations). For full-time employees that equals 80 hours of paid sick leave. For part-time/hourly workers it equals the number of hours worked on a two-week basis. If an employee needs leave to care for a family member, the pay requirements are two-thirds the employee's regular pay (not to exceed $200 per day and $2,000 in the aggregate). If an employee is sick themselves, in quarantine, or seeking medical diagnosis with COVID-19 symptoms, the paid leave may not exceed $511 per day and $5,110 in the aggregate. Employees are paid at their regular rate of pay.

An employer cannot require the employee to use their existing paid leave benefits if available before the employee uses the emergency sick leave. This paid leave does not carry over year to year, and expires December 31, 2020. Employers with fewer than 50 employees may be exempt from the sick leave requirements if it would hurt the viability of their business and subject to determination by the U.S. Secretary of Labor. The cost to an employer is paid for via refundable tax credits against an employer's portion of Social Security taxes each quarter, and employers are reimbursed if their costs are greater than taxes owed.

Emergency Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Expansion (Effective April 2, 2020): Employers with fewer than 500 employees must extend FMLA to an employee who has been employed for at least 30 days in the event of a "qualifying need related to a public health emergency" (unable to work or telework due to COVID-19, subject to stipulations. The first 10 days of the emergency FMLA leave may be unpaid however the remainder of the leave must be paid. A covered employer must provide at least 10 weeks of COVID-19 qualifying paid emergency FMLA leave to an eligible employee. The paid leave must be two-thirds of the employee's regular pay and reflect the numbers of hours an employee would normally work in a two-week period. The paid leave must not exceed $200 per day and $10,000 in the aggregate.

A company with fewer than 50 employees is not subject to a private right of action under FMLA's civil enforcement provisions, and a company with fewer than 50 employees can be exempted from the FMLA requirement if it would hurt the viability of their business. An employer with fewer than 25 employees is not required to hire back an employee after the FMLA leave is completed if the position is no longer there, the employer made effort to hire back the employee in an equivalent position, or an equivalent position is not available in the next year. This program expires December 31, 2020. The cost to an employer for this program is also paid for via refundable tax credits against an employer's portion of social security taxes each quarter, and employers are reimbursed if their costs are greater than taxes owed.

Other News:

Restricted Business List Clarified To Include Hair Salons and Related Businesses: Executive Order 20-08 was issued yesterday to clarify businesses on the list of restricted businesses released March 16. The list now explicitly includes "tanning establishments, body art establishments, tattoo parlors, piercing parlors, businesses offering massage therapy or similar body work, spas, salons, nail salons, cosmetology salons, esthetician salons, advanced practice esthetician salons, eyelash salons, and barber shops. This includes, but is not limited to, all salons and shops licensed by the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners and the Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners".

Food Distribution Workers Classified As Tier 2 Emergency Workers: The Walz administration has classified "food distribution workers" as tier 2 emergency workers, expanding the childcare options available for those workers under Executive Order 20-02. Food distribution workers are specified as: Food Distribution Centers - drivers, order selectors, forklift loaders, IT personnel, mechanics, sanitation workers; In-Store Food Personnel: store clerks, stockers, food preparation personnel, cleaning staff, deli and produce staff.

March 18: Revenue Department Announces 30 Day Grace Period For March 20 Sales And Use Tax Remittance For Businesses Impacted By Executive Order 20-04; Governor Eases Road Restrictions; Closed Business List Clarified

Sales and Use Tax Grace Period: The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced today that businesses impacted by Executive Order 20-04 (closure of restaurant and bar dine-in service plus others) have an additional 30 days to remit their sales and use tax payments that are due this Friday, March 20. Payments due this Friday can be delayed to April 20 without penalty for impacted businesses, however it is important to note that the sales tax filing is still due Friday. Only the related payment can be delayed. Click here for the Department of Revenue notice, and please read it carefully to determine if your business is eligible for this 30 day grace period. MnRA thanks the Walz administration for this action to assist business with cash flow during this difficult time.

Delivery of Essential Goods: To ease delivery of essentials goods, today Govenor Walz signed Executive Order 20-06. The Order removed weight restrictions on certain roads relating to the "movement of essential supplies including food, medical supplies, and household items transported in support of direct assistance to emergency relief efforts in response to COVID-19". MnRA thanks Governor Walz for this important step to ensuring essential product availability. Reference: Executive Order 20-06.

Pending SBA Relief Loans for Small Businesses: Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove commented today that Minnesota is taking steps to identify relief for small businesses. Grove specifically mentioned that the State is close to making Minnesota eligible for relief loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, and promised an update soon on that initiative.

Restricted Business List Clarified To Include Hair Salons and Related Businesses: Executive Order 20-08 was issued yesterday to clarify businesses on the list of restricted businesses released March 16.  The list now explicitly includes "tanning establishments, body art establishments, tattoo parlors, piercing parlors, businesses offering massage therapy or similar body work, spas, salons, nail salons, cosmetology salons, esthetician salons, advanced practice esthetician salons, eyelash salons, and barber shops. This includes, but is not limited to, all salons and shops licensed by the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners and the Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners".

Food Distribution Workers Classified As Tier 2 Emergency Workers: The Walz administration classified "food distribution workers" as tier 2 emergency workers, expanding the childcare options available for those workers under Executive Order 20-02.  Food distribution workers are specified as:  Food Distribution Centers - drivers, order selectors, forklift loaders, IT personnel, mechanics, sanitation workers; In-Store Food Personnel: store clerks, stockers, food preparation personnel, cleaning staff, deli and produce staff.

March 16: Governor Announces Restrictions On Dine-In Restaurants and Bars, Gyms, Bowling Alleys, Brew Pubs and More

The confirmed cases of coronavirus in Minnesota reached 54 today.

Moments ago Governor Tim Walz, joined by Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcomb and Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove, announced the following as the administration's next step in fighting the spread of COVID-19:

• According to Walz, "we cannot stop this from spreading but we can stop how fast it is spreading and protect our most vulnerable." He commented that he is still seeing people congregate in large numbers. "We understand the magnitude of what we are doing but we need people to stop congregating."
• Walz issued executive order 20-03, a partial closure of places of public accommodation and amusement where on premise food and beverage consumption takes place. This includes restaurants, bars, taverns, brew clubs, breweries, theaters, gyms, bowling alleys, and more.
• The order takes effect tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. through 5:00 p.m. March 27, at which point it will be reevaluated.
• The order effects dine-in service, but allows for curbside pick-up, delivery and drive-thru.
• Food orders must be sealed so there is no tampering and face-to-face contact between deliverer and consumer discouraged.
• The Governor made clear that grocery stores, convenience stores and pharmacies can remain open and are encouraged to do so.
• Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove announced the suspension of the Unemployment Insurance waiting period for impacted employees to allow immediate access to the benefit system.
• In addition Grove mentioned that under executive order 20-04 the State will suspend the Unemployment Insurance employer surcharge.
• The Governor commented that there may be additional closures coming

"The full list of business affected by this rule closing is below:

1. Restaurants, food courts, cafes, coffeehouses and other places of public accommodation offering food or beverage for on-site consumption. This excludes institutional and in-house food cafeterias for business, hospitals, and long-term care facilities;
2. Bars, taverns, brew pubs, microbreweries, distilleries, wineries, tasting rooms, clubs, and other places of public accommodation that offer alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption;
3. Hookah bars, cigar bars, and vaping lounges offering their products for on-premise consumption;
4. Theaters, cinemas, museums, and indoor and outdoor performance venues;
5. Gymnasiums, fitness centers, recreation centers, indoor sports facilities, indoor exercise facilities, exercise studios, and spas;
6. Amusement parks, arcades, bingo halls, bowling alleys, indoor climbing facilities, skating rinks, trampoline parks, and other similar recreational or entertainment facilities;
7. Facilities of country clubs, golf clubs, boating or yacht clubs, sports or athletic clubs, and dining clubs.

Minnesota joins Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Washington state with restaurant and bar restrictions.

This morning Governor Tim Walz held a rare Sunday press conference to lay out the administration's strategy surrounding COVID-19 and Minnesota's schools. The Governor's comments included:

• Minnesota's K-12 districts and charter schools will be ordered closed Wednesday, March 18 through March 27.
• Schools may begin closing as soon as tomorrow.
• A new executive order (20-02) is designed to address the resources needed to help Minnesotans manage the closure, including childcare for healthcare workers.
• The closure allows the State to put in place the pieces needed for online learning in the event the closure needs to expand.
• Education Commissioner Mary Cathryn Ricker mentioned that it is the administration's position that schools should continue to pay and integrate hourly workers in their plans during this closure.
• Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove said the State is closely monitoring federal legislation to replace worker lost pay, and he encouraged the Minnesota Legislature to act to modify sick leave and unemployment programs so they are covering COVID-19 absences.
• Commissioner Grove also encouraged employers to be flexible and accommodating to impacted employees.

March 13:Governor Walz's Community Guidance Press Conference

Governor Tim Walz was joined by Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm at a press conference where they announced the following community mitigation strategies for Minnesota:

• The Governor signed executive order 20-01, a peacetime state of emergency to allow the State to more rapidly react to CORVID-19.
• The Governor called this action necessary to get the State in to a "heightened state of readiness to protect Minnesota".
• The executive order allows Minnesota to access tools, but the Governor said that no specific tools are "being taken out of the toolbox" at this time.
• The Governor called on the Minnesota Legislature to act quickly on a few items in the event the Legislature needs to modify its schedule.
• The Heath Commissioner announced the following community mitigations RECOMMENDATIONS to slow person to person transmission:
    o Cancelling or postponing gatherings of 250 or more people.
    o Cancelling or postponing smaller gatherings where social distancing (6 feet) can not be maintained.
    o Teleworking and limiting non-essential work travel when possible.
    o School closures are likely only necessary when a threat is present at a school as students and teens are at the lower end of the risk spectrum.
• The Health Commissioner mentioned that the State DOES NOT INTEND  TO SUGGEST Minnesotans should limit their normal activities including shopping, and public places such as airports and shopping centers should only be avoided by high risk people.
• Also at the press conference, the State Attorney General asked Minnesotans to report price gouging.
• Click here for the document distibtuted at the press confernence relating to the State action plan.

The Governor, legislative leaders, and the Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice met last night to discuss mitigation strategies for the State Capitol and other state buildings. Following that meeting the House announced the cancellation of hearings today and the Senate put visitor restrictions in place. On Monday both the House and Senate meet at 11:00 a.m. It is expected that both bodies will announce a modified schedule in the wake of the pandemic.

State and Local Resources

• Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Materials and Resources on Coronavirus
• MDH COVID-19 Information for Businesses and Employers
• City of Minnesota COVID-19 Resources
• City of St. Paul/Ramsey Council COVID-19 Resources

National Resources

• CDC Main Portal For Information
• CDC Interim Guidance On Preventing Workplace Exposure For Employers
• CDC Printable Handouts And Posters
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration Main Portal For Information
• National Retail Federation Coronavirus information