Governor Tim Walz clarified his reasoning today for lifting the stay at home order and allowing more businesses to reopen despite a continued rise in the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Minnesota. Walz says cases will rise regardless, but staying closed indefinitely isn't the answer. He says he spoke with Vice President Mike Pence about the state's plan last night:
"The White House is very interested because of this very thing. That while our numbers stayed relatively low and they're going up and we're trying to do some of these things with opening, they're kind of interested to see if this is the model for sustainability in the long run. And I think if we don't give the opportunity to see if this can be done, that would be a mistake."
Related: Walz executive order allows the option for hybrid in-person summer school
The Governor also clarified today that June 1st is the goal and not a guarantee for reopening bars, restaurants, salons and health clubs. He says while some may have the proper plans in place, others may not be ready yet. As for the bars, Walz says he's confident Minnesota won't be another Wisconsin:
"Do I anticipate you'll have crowded bars elbow-to-elbow? No. But do I think we might have the capacity to do it in a way that makes sense?"
Some Wisconsin residents flooded their local bars Wednesday after that state's Supreme Court ruled that Governor Evers overstepped his authority by extending Wisconsin's Stay at Home order. Walz says this is a different situation:
"We're not gonna start 45 minutes after the court ruled in Wisconsin that the doors are open and they can do whatever they want to do. That isn't gonna happen. Nor do I believe in any way that Hospitality Minnesota or any of these folks here really want to do that."
Walz also says he would NOT encourage Minnesotans to drive into Wisconsin for the purpose of going to open bars. Walz is expected to give guidance on this issue on May 20th.