MINNEAPOLIS - Mayor Jacob Frey announced that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he has declared a local state of emergency and ordered all bars and restaurants that cannot move to a take out or delivery only model to close by noon on Tuesday.
By state law, the declaration takes into effect immediately, but could be blocked by the City Council within 72 hours. The council has scheduled a special session for Thursday.
“Clarity in purpose and the ability to act decisively are vital in protecting public health and effectively responding to the evolving threats posed by COVID-19," Mayor Frey said in a statement. "Our team will remain in constant communication with leadership in city hall and partners throughout Minnesota while we work to promote mitigation strategies, deliver core city services, and deploy resources where they are needed most.”
Council President Lisa Bender issued a statement saying she supports the mayor's plan, which she noted includes regular public presentations to the council on what actions the city is taking under the declaration.
"This is an extraordinary time and it will take collaboration, commitment, resilience and creativity from all of us working together to support the health and well-being of city employees, residents, visitors and businesses in Minneapolis. I am working with my colleagues and Mayor Frey to center our commitments to race and economic equity in our response COVID-19,” she said.