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MDH case numbers show that extending this dial back to certain settings and businesses is not
<br />necessary at this time. For example, we see relatively fewer outbreaks in retail settings, which
<br />generally involve brief, masked, transient interactions that pose lower transmission risk.
<br />According to the CDC, an individual is not considered a “close contact” of someone with
<br />COVID-19 unless they were within 6 feet of the individual for 15 or more minutes. These
<br />extended interactions can be limited in retail environments, and MDH will provide further
<br />guidance on how to do so. Similarly, professional athletes and collegiate athletic programs have
<br />developed strong protocols to protect their athletes, coaches, and staff, including regular testing
<br />and self-imposed restrictions when COVID-19 cases reach certain thresholds.
<br />Outbreaks and cases traced to personal care establishments have also been minimal since those
<br />establishments reopened. Personal care typically involves one-on-one interactions (as opposed to
<br />interactions with multiple persons) and healthcare-like precautions (like the requirement to wear
<br />a face shield over a face covering in many situations), reducing the need to restrict these settings
<br />during this dial back. Finally, outdoor recreation is an essential outlet for Minnesotans during
<br />these challenging times. We discovered in the early stages of our spring reopening that these
<br />activities can occur safely, so I encourage Minnesotans to continue to pursue outdoor recreation
<br />with members of their household and in compliance with guidance from Department of Natural
<br />Resources.
<br />In dialing back on social activities, in-person dining, sports, and fitness establishments,
<br />Minnesota joins an increasing number of states imposing similar measures, including California,
<br />Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, and Vermont. Certain
<br />establishments and businesses can continue to offer goods and services in a safe manner in
<br />accordance with applicable guidance available at the Stay Safe Minnesota website
<br />(https://staysafe.mn.gov), but many will again have to weather the challenge of adjusting their
<br />operations to “to-go” or virtual means. In the near term, we know that this will be a hardship. In
<br />the long term, I hope that this significant step will prove beneficial to Minnesotans, our schools,
<br />and our economy, and safely bridge the gap to more permanent solutions to this pandemic.
<br />In Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 12.02, the Minnesota Legislature conferred upon the
<br />Governor emergency powers to “(1) ensure that preparations of this state will be adequate to deal
<br />with disasters, (2) generally protect the public peace, health, and safety, and (3) preserve the
<br />lives and property of the people of the state.” Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2020, section
<br />12.21, subdivision 1, the Governor has general authority to control the state’s emergency
<br />management as well as carry out the provisions of Minnesota’s Emergency Management Act.
<br />Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 12.21, subdivision 3(7), authorizes the Governor to cooperate
<br />with federal and state agencies in “matters pertaining to the emergency management of the state
<br />and nation.” This includes “the direction or control of . . . the conduct of persons in the state,
<br />including entrance or exit from any stricken or threatened public place, occupancy of facilities,
<br />and . . . public meetings or gatherings.” Pursuant to subdivision 3 of that same section, the
<br />Governor may “make, amend, and rescind the necessary orders and rules to carry out the
<br />provisions” of Minnesota Statutes 2020, Chapter 12. When approved by the Executive Council
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