Minnesota State Wire

In an attempt to continue to put pressure on Gov. Tim Walz after his stay-at-home order extension to May 4, the protest group, Open Up MN, created a portal for businesses to share opinions and best practices about processes they will take to keep people safe while re-opening their businesses within the state. 

On the website, businesses are prompted to answer two questions and enter a plan as well as upload supporting videos or photos for their arguments on why Minnesota should "open up."

Over the past few days, and following multiple protests throughout the state, the page has gained momentum with over 1,600 hits in the first two days of launching. Many business owners, from dog groomers to tattoo artists presented their debates on why their businesses should be given permission to open amid the stay-at home-orders put into place due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

“I am encouraged by Gov. Walz’s executive order opening some of these businesses and activities up today, and as the data shows, Minnesotans are ready to open many more industries,” Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka said in an April 17 statement.“We need to trust our citizens, churches, non-profits and business owners to operate in a safe manner following all of the CDC guidelines. The stay at home order is achieving its goal of preparing for a surge and now it’s time to save our economy and way of life.”

Restaurant owners, salon owner, and even a gun range owner pleaded to allow them to open, sharing why and how they were able to keep customers safe and what practices they would afford to do so. 

“Outdoor gun ranges that are unstaffed do not expose employees to any risk," an outdoor gun range owner in Rice County said according to the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus website. "Members would social distance appropriately. It would be outdoors and similar to hunting and fishing which are permitted activities. Law enforcement is also not able to train while the ranges are closed.”

One salon owner suggested that they only allow one client per hairdresser and have them six feet apart, affording they have proper protective equipment such as disposable gloves and masks. 

There were some opposition responses that put none as their reason to OpenUp MN with concern that the state is opening up too fast. Worthington's JBS Pork processing plant recently had to shut down due to a COVID -19 outbreak. 

"We don't make this decision lightly," Bob Krebs, President of JBS USA Pork said, according to SC TImes. "We recognize JBS Worthington is critical to local hog producers, the U.S. food supply and the many businesses that support the facility each and every day."

The Minnesota Department of Health reported Monday there were 114 new COVID-19 cases, raising the total cases in Minnesota to 2,470. There have been 143 deaths reported, with nine reported April 20. Only 602 cases needed hospitalization, and 1,202 people have recovered.