2020-12-02 P & R Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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for the first time since early May. Further, the Task Force considers a state to be in the “Red Zone” for new cases when it reaches 100 cases per 100,000 residents over the course of a full week. Minnesota is currently averaging over 100 cases per 100,000 residents each day. These numbers tell a troubling story. The virus is everywhere, meaning that every interaction we have with people outside of our households poses a risk of transmission. When we cannot effectively trace infections due to community spread, we cannot keep COVID-19 out of our businesses, our schools, or the congregate care facilities that house our most vulnerable residents. For the benefit of our economy and all Minnesotans, we need to buckle down. I recently issued Executive Order 20-96, which placed limits on the social gatherings and establishments that posed the most serious concern according to MDH data. In the week since, MDH has confirmed over 30 additional outbreaks connected to the gatherings, bars, and restaurants that were encompassed by Executive Order 20-96. Unfortunately, these numbers, our statewide cases, hospitalization rates, and our levels of community spread demonstrate that a temporary dial back on in-person social activity and restrictions on certain businesses are necessary. Without question, these restrictions are significant and difficult, but this is not the “Stay-at- Home” Order that Minnesotans saw in March and April. As we noted in Executive Order 20-96, we have learned important lessons during this pandemic and must take thoughtful action when we can to prevent the worst projected outcomes. To effectively address a mounting healthcare crisis, we need to go beyond the measures taken in Executive Order 20-96. Accordingly, this Executive Order will also impact the entertainment venues, event spaces, and similar establishments that facilitate risky social interactions. In addition, as a former high school football coach, I recognize the positive health impacts and unique developmental and social benefits of sports. But the 192 outbreaks connected to sports are too concerning to let these activities continue during this dial back. Sports-related cases are nearly twice as prevalent among high school-age children as any other age group, and they increasingly play a key role in the need to move schools to distance learning. Gyms, fitness centers, and exercise studios also need to dial back their operations for similar reasons. The science shows us that exercise leads to higher levels of exertion and exhalation—often by individuals who are not wearing masks— greatly increasing the amount of airborne respiratory aerosol droplets that can carry COVID-19. Finally, MDH has traced over 16,000 cases to out-of-state travel since the outset of this pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) warns that travel increases our chances of getting and spreading COVID-19 and that avoiding travel is the best way for us to protect ourselves and others. Our nearest neighbors—North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin—are experiencing some of the highest nationwide per capita increases in COVID-19 cases, and 48 states are now in the Task Force “Red Zone” for new COVID-19 cases. It is simply not a good time for out-of-state travel that is anything short of essential, so this Order clarifies my recommendation that Minnesotans refrain from unnecessary out-of-state travel for the next four weeks and self-quarantine upon their return if they do decide to travel. 2