Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey had some tough words for residents who were not planning on following Governor Tim Walz's stay at home order.
"If a city official is not around to tell you to go home, to stop congregating, you better be damn sure that we will have mothers around the city who will not tolerate selfishness. And if necessary, I will issue emergency regulations. We'll issue fines and pursue other means of enforcement as well."
Frey went on to explain that many residents will want to get outside and that planning has gone on for that. Parts of West River Parkway and Main Street SE will be closed at 5 pm today so that walkers, runners and bikers will have more room to practice social distancing. He also plans to have similar closures around Lake Harriet and Lake Nokomis in the coming days.
Related: Minneapolis says golf courses are closed during stay at home order
Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo also spoke at the press conference and said that he has given a clear directive to his officers during this time.
"When we hear of calls that may be in violation of the Governor's executive order, we will go out there to advise and educate. If the conduct continues, we will take enforcement actions. But rest assured that this pandemic does not in any way, shape or form, that we will start using broad-sweeping arrest powers. We will not be questions or demanding papers from those in our new immigrant community or undocumented community."
The statewide order goes into effect at 11:59 pm tonight.
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