Dear Neighbors,
Governor Tim Walz today announced Phase III of the Stay Safe MN plan, including a gradual turn of the dial to allow cautious and safe re-opening of indoor dining, gyms, and entertainment venues beginning Wednesday, June 10, 2020.
Under Phase III of the Stay Safe MN plan:
- Restaurants can begin offering indoor dining while maintaining social distancing, requiring reservations, and seating no more than 50 percent occupancy.
- Indoor social gatherings can take place with 10 people or less; outdoor social gatherings can take place with 25 people or less.
- Gyms, personal fitness and yoga studios, and martial arts may open at 25 percent capacity.
- Indoor entertainment venues, such as theaters and concert halls, can open at 25 percent capacity.
- Recreational indoor entertainment venues, such as bowling alleys, arcades, and museums may open at 25 percent capacity.
- Personal services, such as salons, tattoo parlors, and barbershops, may increase occupancy rates to 50 percent while requiring reservations.
- Outdoor entertainment venues, such as sporting events, concerts, and theaters may open at 25 percent capacity.
- Places of worship can increase occupancy rates to 50 percent.
Please continue to practice social distancing, wearing a mask outside and in public places, and washing your hands thoroughly. If you are feeling sick, you should get tested immediately.
New Immediate Policies for MPD
Also, Governor Tim Walz, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, and Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero announced today next steps in the civil rights investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD), following the death of George Floyd.
The Minnesota Department of Human Rights filed an emergency court action and an agreed proposed court order that details immediate structural changes that the MPD must implement. The City of Minneapolis agreed to implement structural changes and joined the Minnesota Department of Human Rights in submitting the court order.
Under the proposed court order, the City of Minneapolis agrees to the following terms:
- Chokeholds are immediately banned;
- Police officers have a duty to report and intervene if another officer utilizes an unauthorized use of force;
- The use of crowd control weapons during protests and demonstrations may only be approved by the Chief of Police;
- Timely and transparent discipline decisions for police officers must be made; and
- Body camera footage may be audited by the Minneapolis Civil Rights Department.
Keep in Touch
Please contact me anytime with questions or input at rep.heather.edelson@house.mnor on my cell phone at 651-785-8696.
Wishing you a safe and relaxing weekend,
Heather Edelson
State Representative