Emergency Executive Order 20-74
Continuing to Safely Reopen Minnesota’s Economy and Ensure Safe NonWork Activities during the COVID-19 Peacetime Emergency
I, Tim Walz, Governor of the State of Minnesota, by the authority vested in me by the
Constitution and applicable statutes, issue the following Executive Order:
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present an unprecedented and rapidly evolving challenge
to our State. Since the World Health Organization characterized the COVID-19 outbreak as a
pandemic on March 11, 2020, confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota have rapidly
increased. On March 15, 2020, Minnesota detected the first confirmed cases caused by
“community spread”—infections not epidemiologically linked to overseas travel. By March 17,
2020, all fifty states had reported a confirmed case of COVID-19, and on March 21, 2020, the
Minnesota Department of Health (“MDH”) announced the first confirmed fatality due to
COVID-19 in Minnesota.
The President declared a national emergency related to COVID-19 on March 13, 2020. Since
then, and for the first time in history, the President has approved major disaster declarations for
all fifty states and the District of Columbia. In concert with these federal actions and the actions
of states across the nation, Minnesota has taken proactive steps to ensure that we remain ahead of
the curve. On March 13, 2020, I issued Executive Order 20-01 and declared a peacetime
emergency because this pandemic, an act of nature, endangers the lives of Minnesotans, and
local resources were—and continue to be—inadequate to address the threat. After notifying the
Legislature, on April 13, 2020 and again on May 13, 2020, I issued Executive Orders extending
the peacetime emergency declared in Executive Order 20-01.
The need to slow the spread of the virus required the closure of certain non-critical businesses in
our economy. Although Minnesota’s April unemployment rate was the second lowest in the
country, over 700,000 Minnesotans have applied for unemployment insurance since March 16,
2020. In Executive Order 20-33, seeking to balance public health needs and economic
considerations, we began planning to allow more Minnesota workers to safely return to work.
We drafted guidelines and requirements for appropriate social distancing, hygiene, and public
health best practices. Executive Order 20-38 expanded exemptions for outdoor recreational
activities and facilities, and Executive Orders 20-40, 20-48, 20-56, and 20-63 allowed for the

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 gradual reopening of certain non-critical businesses that planned for and provided safe
workplaces.
Our increased preparedness to treat those most vulnerable to COVID-19 allows us to continue
slowly and safely reopening our economy in accordance with guidance from MDH, the
Department of Employment and Economic Development (“DEED”), and the Department of
Labor and Industry (“DLI”). Businesses reentering the economy must ensure compliance with
the Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1973, Minnesota Statutes 2019, Chapter
182 (“Minnesota OSHA Standards”), in addition to guidelines related to COVID-19 set forth by
MDH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“MDH and CDC Guidelines”).
Despite the progress we have made since declaring the COVID-19 peacetime emergency, certain
establishments—including those in which people gather and linger, those with communal
facilities, and those in which close physical contact is expected—continue to pose a public health
risk. We continue to carefully consider and provide opportunities for such businesses to scale up
their operations.
Likewise, certain non-work activities outside of the home are conducive to social distancing and
hygiene, while others raise significant public health risks. Indoor activities pose higher risks than
outdoor activities. Activities resulting in increased respiration rates pose higher risk than
sedentary activities. Unpredictable settings are riskier than more predictable settings. Large
social gatherings for extended time periods increase the risk of transmission between households.
But the risks of transmission are diminished in transitory settings, such as retail establishments,
where individual interactions and contact are more limited in duration.
In Minnesota Statutes 2019, section 12.02, the Minnesota Legislature conferred upon the
Governor emergency powers to “(1) ensure that preparations of this state will be adequate to deal
with disasters, (2) generally protect the public peace, health, and safety, and (3) preserve the
lives and property of the people of the state.” Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2019, section
12.21, subdivision 1, the Governor has general authority to control the state’s emergency
management as well as carry out the provisions of Minnesota’s Emergency Management Act.
Minnesota Statutes 2019, section 12.21, subdivision 3(7), authorizes the Governor to cooperate
with federal and state agencies in “matters pertaining to the emergency management of the state
and nation.” This includes “the direction or control of . . . the conduct of persons in the state,
including entrance or exit from any stricken or threatened public place, occupancy of facilities,
and . . . public meetings or gatherings.” Pursuant to subdivision 3 of that same section, the
Governor may “make, amend, and rescind the necessary orders and rules to carry out the
provisions” of Minnesota Statutes 2019, Chapter 12. When approved by the Executive Council
and filed in the Office of the Secretary of State, such orders and rules have the force and effect of
law during the peacetime emergency. Any inconsistent rules or ordinances of any agency or
political subdivision of the state are suspended during the pendency of the emergency
For these reasons, I order as follows:
1. Executive Order 20-63 is rescinded as of Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at 11:59 pm.

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 2. Paragraphs 6 through 8 of this Executive Order are effective as of Tuesday, June 9,
2020 at 11:59 pm.
3. Masks and face coverings strongly encouraged. I strongly encourage all
Minnesotans to wear a manufactured or homemade cloth face covering when they
leave their homes and travel to any public setting where social distancing measures
are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) and to follow face
covering guidelines issued by MDH and the CDC until this Executive Order is
rescinded. As set forth below, Minnesotans may be required to wear cloth face
coverings in certain settings. Such face masks and coverings are for source control (to
help limit the person wearing the covering from infecting others). They are not yet
known to be protective of the wearer and therefore are not personal protective
equipment.
4. At-risk persons. All persons currently living within the State of Minnesota who are
at risk of severe illness from COVID-19, as defined by Executive Order 20-55, are
strongly urged to stay at home or in their place of residence and follow the provisions
of Executive Order 20-55.
5. Definitions.
a. “Home,” “homes,” “residence,” and “residences” are broadly defined to
include mobile homes, hotels, motels, shared rental units, shelters, and similar
facilities, to the extent they are used for lodging.
b. “Worker” and “workers” are broadly defined to include owners, proprietors,
employees, contractors, vendors, volunteers, and interns.
c. “Business” and “businesses” are broadly defined to include entities that
employ or engage workers, including private-sector entities, public-sector
entities, non-profit entities, and state, county, and local governments.
d. “Critical Businesses” are all businesses whose workers qualified for a Critical
Sector exemption under paragraph 6 of Executive Order 20-48.
e. “Non-Critical Businesses” are all businesses that are not Critical Businesses or
Places of Public Accommodation.
f. “Place of Public Accommodation” means a business, or an educational,
refreshment, entertainment, recreation facility, or an institution of any kind,
whether licensed or not, whose goods, services, facilities, privileges,
advantages, or accommodations are extended, offered, sold, or otherwise
made available to the public. Places of Public Accommodation include, but
are not limited to, the businesses identified in paragraph 7.c of this Executive
Order.
g. “Establishments Providing Personal Care Services” are broadly defined to
include tanning establishments, body art establishments, tattoo parlors,
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 piercing parlors, businesses offering massage therapy or similar body work,
spas, salons, nail salons, cosmetology salons, esthetician salons, advanced
practice esthetician salons, eyelash salons, and barber shops. This includes,
but is not limited to, all salons and shops licensed by the Minnesota Board of
Cosmetologist Examiners and the Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners.
6. Activities outside of the home. Mindful that we must continue to limit social
interactions to protect public health, individuals may leave their homes for activities,
subject to the requirements and guidelines set forth below. These requirements may
be clarified, as deemed necessary by the Governor, to ensure the health, safety, and
security of all Minnesotans. Clarifications will be available for public review at the
State’s COVID-19 website (https://mn.gov/covid19/).
a. Guidelines. Individuals engaging in activities outside of the home must
follow the requirements of this Executive Order and MDH and CDC
Guidelines. Individuals engaging in outdoor recreational activities must
follow the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (“DNR”) and MDH
guidelines on outdoor recreation for facilities and the public (“Outdoor
Recreation Guidelines”) available at the Stay Safe Minnesota website
(https://staysafe.mn.gov).
b. Unnecessary travel strongly discouraged. Consistent with federal guidance
and to protect our neighbors, Minnesotans are encouraged to stay close to
home and are strongly discouraged from engaging in unnecessary travel.
c. Social gatherings. All indoor social gatherings of more than 10 people and all
outdoor social gatherings of more than 25 people are prohibited, except as set
forth below. Social gatherings are groups of individuals, who are not members
of the same household, congregated together for a common or coordinated
social, community, or leisure purpose—even if social distancing can be
maintained. This prohibition includes planned and spontaneous gatherings as
well as public and private gatherings. Prohibited gatherings do not include
commercial activity by workers and customers of Critical and Non-Critical
Businesses and Places of Public Accommodation.
i.

Legislative and other governmental meetings. The limits on
gatherings in this Executive Order do not apply to legislative and other
governmental meetings. Remote meetings are strongly encouraged
whenever possible as permitted by state or local authority.

ii.

The Judicial Branch. The limits on gatherings in this Executive
Order do not apply to proceedings held by the Minnesota Judicial
Branch. Proceedings held by the Judicial Branch are subject to the
policies established by the chief justice and will occur as directed by
court order. Individuals may appear as directed by a Minnesota state
court, including to serve as a juror, appear as a party, as a witness, or

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 as legal counsel on behalf of a party, or otherwise to comply as
directed by a court order, subpoena, or summons.
iii.

Federal activities. Nothing in this Executive Order will be construed
to limit, prohibit, or restrict in any way the operations of the federal
government or the movement of federal officials in Minnesota while
acting in their official capacity, including federal judicial, legislative,
and executive staff and personnel.

iv.

Drive-in gatherings. To enable safe congregation of people, drive-in
gatherings are permitted, provided that all participants remain within
their own vehicles and follow the applicable guidance available at the
Stay Safe Minnesota website (https://staysafe.mn.gov).

v.

Weddings, funerals, and services. Places of worship, funeral homes,
and other venues that offer gathering space for weddings, funerals, or
planned services such as worship, rituals, prayer meetings, or scripture
studies, may host such weddings, funerals, or services exceeding the
limits set forth above, provided that they adhere to the following
requirements:
A. In all settings, ensure a minimum of 6 feet of physical
distancing between households.
B. In indoor settings, occupancy must not exceed 50 percent of
the normal occupant capacity as determined by the fire
marshal, with a maximum of 250 people in a single selfcontained space.
C. In outdoor settings, gatherings must not exceed 250
individuals.
D. Develop and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in
accordance with applicable guidance available at the Stay Safe
Minnesota website (https://staysafe.mn.gov).

d. Tribal Activities and Lands.
i.

Activities by tribal members within the boundaries of their tribal
reservations are exempt from the restrictions in this Executive Order
but may be subject to restrictions by tribal authorities.

ii.

Activities within the boundaries of federal land held in trust for one of
the 11 Minnesota Tribal Nations are exempt from the restrictions in
this Executive Order but may be subject to restrictions by tribal
authorities.

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 iii.

Activities by tribal members to exercise their federal treaty rights
within the boundaries of their treaty territory (also known as “ceded
territory”) are exempt from the restrictions in this Executive Order but
may be subject to restrictions by applicable tribal authorities.

iv.

Tribal members may travel to and from their tribal reservations in
accordance with applicable tribal law.

7. Workers and businesses. Workers and businesses are subject to the requirements set
forth below. These requirements may be clarified, as deemed necessary by the
Governor, to ensure the health, safety, and security of all Minnesotans. Clarifications
will be available for public review at the State’s COVID-19 website
(https://mn.gov/covid19/).
a. Continue to work from home whenever possible. Any worker who can
work from home must do so.
b. Safe work. The protections noted in Executive Order 20-54 (Protecting
Workers from Unsafe Working Conditions and Retaliation) remain in full
force and effect. All work must be conducted in a manner that adheres to
Minnesota OSHA Standards and MDH and CDC Guidelines, including social
distancing and hygiene practices. Under existing law and authority, DLI may
issue citations, civil penalties, or closure orders to places of employment with
unsafe or unhealthy conditions, and DLI may penalize businesses that retaliate
against employees who raise safety and health concerns.
c. Places of Public Accommodation. Places of Public Accommodation are
subject to the following requirements and limitations:
i.

All Places of Public Accommodation remaining open or opening
under this Executive Order must adhere to the requirements set
forth in paragraph 7.e of this order, including development and
implementation of a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in accordance with
applicable guidance available at the Stay Safe Minnesota website
(https://staysafe.mn.gov).

ii.

For the purposes of this Executive Order, the following establishments
and facilities are not Places of Public Accommodation:
A. Establishments and facilities that offer food and beverage not
for on-premises consumption, including grocery stores,
markets, convenience stores, pharmacies, drug stores, and food
pantries, other than those portions of the Place of Public
Accommodation otherwise subject to the requirements of this
paragraph 7.c.

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 B. Health care facilities, child care facilities, residential care
facilities, congregate care facilities, and juvenile justice
facilities.
C. Crisis shelters, soup kitchens, or similar institutions.
D. Restaurants and food courts inside the secured zones of
airports.
iii.

Places of Public Accommodation, which would otherwise be subject to
the restrictions in this Executive Order, may be exempted from such
restrictions if they have been repurposed to exclusively provide
services permitted under paragraph 7.c.ii.

iv.

Places of Public Accommodation subject to this Executive Order are
encouraged to offer food and beverage using delivery service, window
service, walk-up service, drive-through service, or drive-up service,
and to use precautions in doing so to mitigate the potential
transmission of COVID-19, including social distancing.

v.

Barbershops, salons, and other Establishments Providing Personal
Care Services may be open. Occupancy must not exceed 50 percent of
the normal occupant capacity as determined by the fire marshal, with a
maximum of 250 people in a single self-contained space. Workers,
customers, and clients must follow face-covering requirements as set
forth in the applicable guidance available at the Stay Safe Minnesota
website (https://staysafe.mn.gov).

vi.

Restaurants, food courts, cafes, coffeehouses, bars, taverns, brewer
taprooms, micro distiller cocktail rooms, farm wineries, craft wineries,
cideries, golf courses and clubs, dining clubs tobacco product shops,
and other Places of Public Accommodation offering food, beverages
(including alcoholic beverages), or tobacco products for on-premises
consumption, may provide indoor and outdoor service, provided that
they adhere to the following requirements:
A. Occupancy of any indoor space must not exceed 50 percent of
the normal occupant capacity as determined by the fire
marshal, with a maximum of 250 people in a single selfcontained space.
B. Occupancy of any outdoor space must ensure that the number
of customers at any one time is limited to the number for whom
physical distancing of 6 feet can be maintained between tables,
not to exceed 250 people.

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 C. Workers and customers must follow face-covering
requirements as set forth in the applicable guidance available at
the Stay Safe Minnesota website (https://staysafe.mn.gov).
D. All establishments must follow applicable state and local laws
and regulations. Local governments are encouraged to work
collaboratively with establishments to allow for outdoor
service.
E. The capacity limitation on indoor activity extends to the sale
and play of lawful games as provided under Minnesota Statutes
2019, section 349.12. This does not include outdoor and onpremises sale and play.
F. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2019, section 349.12,
subdivision 3a, veterans or fraternal organizations may lend
gambling funds to their general fund accounts for up to one
year to pay for allowable expenses necessary to reopen such
organizations’ permitted premises as set forth in the guidance
available at the Gambling Control Board’s website
(https://mn.gov/gcb/).
vii.

Indoor and outdoor pools may open to the general public only in
accordance with industry guidance available on the Stay Safe
Minnesota website (https://staysafe.mn.gov).

viii.

Gymnasiums, fitness centers, recreation centers, indoor and outdoor
sports facilities, indoor climbing facilities, trampoline parks indoor and
outdoor exercise facilities, and exercise studios may open to the
general public only in accordance with industry guidance available on
the Stay Safe Minnesota website (https://staysafe.mn.gov).

ix.

Venues providing indoor events, entertainment, or recreation such as
theaters, cinemas, concert halls, museums, performance venues,
stadiums, arcades, and bowling alleys may open to the general public
only in accordance with industry guidance available on the Stay Safe
Minnesota website (https://staysafe.mn.gov).

x.

Venues (including racetracks) providing outdoor events,
entertainment, or recreation, paintball, go-karts, mini-golf, and
amusement parks may open to the general public only in accordance
with industry guidance available on the Stay Safe Minnesota website
(https://staysafe.mn.gov).

d. Critical Businesses. Businesses whose workers qualified for a Critical Sector
exemption under paragraph 6 of Executive Order 20-48 may continue to
operate in the same manner as provided in Executive Order 20-48.

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 i.

Beginning on June 29, 2020, all Critical Businesses must have
developed and implemented a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan as set
forth in paragraph 7.e of this Executive Order and in accordance with
the industry guidance currently posted to the Stay Safe Minnesota
website (https://staysafe.mn.gov) and any additional applicable
industry guidance that will be posted to the Stay Safe Minnesota
website (https://staysafe.mn.gov) on or before June 15, 2020 as
provided in paragraph 7.d.ii of this Executive Order.

ii.

In consultation with relevant agencies, the Commissioners of Health,
Employment and Economic Development, and Labor and Industry are
directed to prepare and publish additional industry guidance for
Critical Businesses, as necessary, no later than June 15, 2020. All such
guidance will be posted to the Stay Safe Minnesota website
(https://staysafe.mn.gov).

iii.

For state licensed or state certified Critical Businesses that are
operating under and adhering to existing policies and procedures or
requirements related to health and safety, including requirements to
establish and implement COVID-19 Preparedness Plans, state agencies
are directed to develop guidance and template addendum plans that
address unique risks and hazards of COVID-19 for their operations.
Relevant agencies must publish such guidance no later than June 15,
2020. All such guidance will be posted to the Stay Safe Minnesota
website (https://staysafe.mn.gov).

e. Non-Critical Businesses. If it has not done so already, a Non-Critical
Business choosing to open or remain open must establish and implement a
COVID-19 Preparedness Plan (“Plan”). Each Plan must provide for the
business’s implementation of guidance for their specific industry or, if there is
no specific guidance, general guidance for all businesses, as well as
Minnesota OSHA Standards and MDH and CDC Guidelines in their
workplaces. These requirements are set forth in guidance (“Plan Guidance”)
available on the Stay Safe Minnesota website (https://staysafe.mn.gov).
i.

Required Plan content. As set forth in the Plan Guidance, at a
minimum, each Plan must adequately address the following areas:
A. Require work from home whenever possible. All Plans must
ensure that all workers who can work from home continue to
do so.
B. Ensure that sick workers stay home. All Plans must establish
policies and procedures, including health screenings, that
prevent sick workers from entering the workplace.

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 C. Social distancing. All Plans must establish social distancing
policies and procedures.
D. Worker hygiene and source control. All Plans must establish
hygiene and source control policies for workers.
E. Cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation protocols. All Plans
must establish cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation protocols
for areas within the workplace.
ii.

Customer facing businesses. All Non-Critical Businesses that are
customer facing (i.e., businesses that have in-person customer
interactions) must include additional Plan provisions to keep the public
and workers safe as set forth in the applicable guidance available on
the Stay Safe Minnesota website (https://staysafe.mn.gov). This
includes requirements that workers and customers must maintain
physical distancing of 6 feet and that store occupancy must not exceed
limits set forth in the guidance. In customer facing businesses that
share common areas, such as malls, all Plans must similarly include a
facility occupancy that must not exceed the limits set forth in the
guidance and provide an enhanced sanitizing, cleaning, and
disinfecting regimen consistent with Minnesota OSHA Standards and
MDH and CDC Guidelines for those common areas. All Plans must
also include signage in common areas to discourage congregating.

iii.

Household services businesses. All Non-Critical Businesses that
provide household services (e.g., housecleaning, maid services, and
piano tuners) must also develop Plan provisions intended to keep
customers and workers safe as set forth in the applicable guidance
available on the Stay Safe Minnesota website
(https://staysafe.mn.gov).

iv.

Optional template. A template COVID-19 Preparedness Plan, which
covers the above requirements, is available as part of the Plan
Guidance, available on the Stay Safe Minnesota website
(https://staysafe.mn.gov).

v.

Certification and signature. Senior management responsible for
implementing the Plan must sign and certify the Plan, affirming their
commitment to implement and follow the Plan.

vi.

Dissemination and posting. Each Non-Critical Business must provide
its Plan, in writing, to all workers, and the Plan must be posted at all of
the business’s workplaces in locations that will allow for the Plan to be
readily reviewed by all workers. Where physical posting is
impracticable, the Plan can be posted electronically, provided that the
Plan is received by all workers and remains available for their review.

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 vii.

Training. Each Non-Critical Business must ensure that training is
provided to workers on the contents of its Plan and required
procedures, so that all workers understand and are able to perform the
precautions necessary to protect themselves and their co-workers. This
training should be easy to understand and available in the appropriate
language and literacy level for all workers. Businesses should also take
steps to supervise workers and ensure that workers understand and
adhere to necessary precautions to prevent COVID-19 transmission.
Documentation demonstrating compliance with this training
requirement must be maintained and made available to regulatory
authorities and public safety officers, including DLI, upon request.

viii.

Compliance. Workers and management must work together to ensure
compliance with the Plan, implement all protocols, policies, and
procedures, and create a safe and healthy work environment.

ix.

Availability to regulatory authorities and public safety officers.
Non-Critical Businesses do not need to submit their Plans for
preapproval. Upon request, Non-Critical Businesses must make their
Plans available to regulatory authorities and public safety officers,
including DLI.

x.

In the event of a complaint or dispute related to a Non-Critical
Business’s Plan, DLI is authorized to determine whether the Plan
adequately implements the applicable guidance, Minnesota OSHA
Standards and MDH and CDC Guidelines in its workplaces.

f. Youth Programs. This Executive Order intends to allow as many summer
programs for youth as can safely be provided. Youth Programs intending to
operate must do so in accordance with the following requirements:
i.

“Youth Programs” means programs providing care or enrichment to
children or adolescents such as day camps, summer activities, and
recreational or educational classes that require registration and have
on-site supervision. “Youth Programs” does not include licensed child
care facilities or school-district summer learning programs.

ii.

Youth Programs must adhere to the requirements set forth in paragraph
7.e of this Executive Order, including development and
implementation of a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in accordance with
guidance for youth and student programs available on MDH’s website
(https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools/).
COVID-19 Preparedness Plans must be distributed, available for
review, and followed by participants and their parents or guardians.

iii.

Youth Programs must comply with any public health restrictions
implemented by the manager or owner of property or facilities used by

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 the program, including any restrictions set by school districts on the
use of their facilities, and adhere to guidance for youth and student
programs available on MDH’s website
(https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools/).
g. Organized Youth Sports. Organized Youth Sports organizations and
programs intending to operate must do so in accordance with the following
requirements:
i.

“Organized Youth Sports” means any sports activity, where
participants are children or adolescents, organized by an entity,
association, club, or organization providing for registration of
participants and oversight on a regular basis for a defined period of
time. Sports activities within this definition include all sports offered
by the Minnesota State High School League as well as dance,
cheerleading, and other sports traditionally offered by supplemental
associations or organizations.

ii.

Entities, associations, organizations, and clubs that provide Organized
Youth Sports must adhere to the requirements set forth in paragraph
7.e of this Executive Order, including development and
implementation of a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in accordance with
applicable guidance for youth sports available on the Stay Safe
Minnesota website (https://staysafe.mn.gov). COVID-19 Preparedness
Plans must be distributed and available for review by participants and
their parents or guardians.

iii.

Entities, associations, organizations, and clubs that provide Organized
Youth Sports must ensure that all trainers and coaches understand and
follow their COVID-19 Preparedness Plan and related guidance.

iv.

Indoor or outdoor facilities that support Organized Youth Sports must
also adhere to the requirements set forth in paragraph 7.e of this
Executive Order, including development and implementation of a
COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in accordance with applicable guidance
for youth sports available on the Stay Safe Minnesota website
(https://staysafe.mn.gov). COVID-19 Preparedness Plans must be
distributed to, available for review, and followed by entities,
associations, organizations, and clubs that provide Organized Youth
Sports.

h. Organized Adult Sports. Organized Adult Sports organizations and
programs intending to operate must do so in accordance with the following
requirements:
i.

“Organized Adult Sports” means any sports activity, where
participants are adults, organized by an entity, association, club, or

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 organization providing for registration of participants and oversight on
a regular basis for a defined period of time.
ii.

Entities, associations, organizations, and clubs that provide Organized
Adult Sports must adhere to the requirements set forth in paragraph 7.e
of this Executive Order, including development and implementation of
a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in accordance with applicable
guidance for adult sports available on the Stay Safe Minnesota website
(https://staysafe.mn.gov). COVID-19 Preparedness Plans must be
distributed and available for review by participants or guardians.

iii.

Entities, associations, organizations, and clubs that provide Organized
Adult Sports must ensure that all trainers and coaches understand their
COVID-19 Preparedness Plan and related guidance.

iv.

Indoor or outdoor facilities that support Organized Adult Sports must
also adhere to the requirements set forth in paragraph 7.e of this
Executive Order, including the development and implementation of a
COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in accordance with applicable guidance
for adult sports available on the Stay Safe Minnesota website
(https://staysafe.mn.gov). COVID-19 Preparedness Plans must be
distributed to, available for review, and followed by entities,
associations, organizations, and clubs that provide Organized Adult
Sports

i. Higher education institutions. To the extent higher education classes cannot
be provided through distance learning, higher education institutions, in
consultation with their governing boards, the Office of Higher Education
(“OHE”), and MDH, may offer in-person classes or activities consisting of no
more than 25 people. Education and training programs not registered or
licensed with OHE or part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities or
University of Minnesota systems must follow the guidance provided by the
state agency or board under which they are authorized to operate.
i.

Higher education definitions. For the purposes of paragraph 7.i of
this Executive Order:
A. “Higher education institution” means all post-secondary
institutions, including but not limited to institutions licensed
and registered with the OHE, with a physical campus in the
State.
B. “Staff and instructors” means all employees, contractors, and
volunteers of a higher education institution, including but not
limited to janitorial and cleaning professionals, secretarial and
administrative professionals, instructors, instructor assistants,

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 researchers, research assistants, graduate assistants, faculty,
and administrators.
C. “Students” means any person enrolled at a higher education
institution.
D. “Activities” includes, but is not limited to, testing, short-term
training programs, student services, advising, internships,
clinical rotations/placements, customized training, internships,
campus visits, programs, credit and non-credit classes, and all
research activities and functions.
ii.

Requirements for higher education institutions. Institutions of
higher education should continue to establish and implement a higher
education institution COVID-19 Preparedness Plan (“Higher Ed
Plan”). Each Higher Ed Plan must provide for implementation of
Minnesota OSHA Standards and MDH and CDC Guidelines in
classrooms, labs, or other areas that students and staff may visit. Such
requirements, which are adaptable to higher education institutions, are
set forth in the general guidance available at the Stay Safe Minnesota
website (https://staysafe.mn.gov) and other applicable guidelines.
A. Required Higher Ed Plan content. As set forth in the Plan
Guidance, at a minimum, each Higher Ed Plan must adequately
address the following areas:
1. Require distance learning wherever possible. Each
Higher Ed Plan must require that distance learning
continues for all students when possible. If in-person
indoor or outdoor activities are required, such activities
must be subject to limitations set forth by relevant OHE
and MDH guidance.
2. Ensure that sick students and institution staff and
instructors stay home. Each Higher Ed Plan must
establish policies and procedures, including health
screenings, that prevent sick students or institution staff
and instructors from entering the institution for inperson or on-site activities.
3. Social distancing. Each Higher Ed Plan must
implement social distancing policies and procedures set
forth by the CDC and MDH. Such Plans must also
include signage in common areas to discourage
gathering. Each Higher Ed Plan should encourage all
students, visitors, staff, and instructors to wear masks or
face coverings.

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 4. Cleaning and disinfection protocols. Each Higher Ed
Plan must establish cleaning and disinfection protocols
for areas within the institution where students, staff, and
instructors may visit and provide an enhanced
sanitizing, cleaning, and disinfecting regimen consistent
with Minnesota OSHA Standards and MDH and CDC
Guidelines for common areas.
iii.

Certification and signature. Institutional leadership responsible for
implementing the Higher Ed Plan must sign and certify such Higher
Ed Plan, affirming their commitment to implement and follow the
Higher Ed Plan.

iv.

Dissemination and posting. A higher education institution must make
its Higher Ed Plan available according to applicable guidelines.

v.

Training. Higher education institutions must ensure that training is
provided to staff and instructors on the contents of their Higher Ed
Plan according to applicable guidelines.

8. Outdoor recreational activities and associated facilities. Notwithstanding
paragraph 7.c, the below facilities are permitted to be open and do business, provided
that they adhere to paragraphs 6 and 7 of this Executive Order and the Outdoor
Recreation Guidelines available at the Stay Safe Minnesota website
(https://staysafe.mn.gov). Indoor facilities associated with outdoor recreational
facilities must comply with paragraphs 6 and 7 of this Executive Order, as applicable.
I encourage public outdoor recreational facilities to be open for all Minnesotans,
including families and children, and direct all individuals utilizing such facilities to
follow the Outdoor Recreation Guidelines. All outdoor recreational activities and
facilities must also comply with Minnesota law, including but not limited to license
and permit requirements, invasive species regulations, and park rules.
a. Minnesota State Parks, Trails, State Forests, State Recreation Areas, Wildlife
Management Areas, Scientific and Natural Areas, and other State managed
recreational lands.
b. Locally, regionally, and privately managed parks and trails.
c. State, regional, or local public water accesses.
d. Public and private marinas and docks that provide storage, docking, and
mooring services to slip owners, seasonal renters, and the general public, as
well as facilities that provide safety-related services including fueling,
emergency dockage, and sanitary pump-out stations.
e. Public and private golf courses and outdoor driving ranges.
f. Ski areas.
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 g. Off-highway vehicles, snowmobiles, and watercraft repair shops, sales
facilities, and showrooms.
h. Lake service providers to install, repair, and remove docks, boatlifts, and other
water related equipment or deliver boats.
i. Bait and tackle shops.
j. Outdoor shooting ranges and game farms.
k. Outdoor recreational equipment rental outlets. Equipment may be rented but
only if the equipment can be effectively sanitized between uses. Such outlets
must implement clear check-in and check-out procedures that minimize
contact between customers and workers. Any rentals must be conducted in
accordance with the Outdoor Recreation Guidelines.
l. Dispersed and remote camping sites in accordance with the Outdoor
Recreation Guidelines. A dispersed campsite is a single campsite, not in a
developed campground, used for overnight camping. A remote campsite is a
designated backpack or watercraft campsite, not in a developed campground,
used for overnight camping.
m. Public and private campgrounds that have adopted a COVID-19 Preparedness
Plan in accordance with the Guidance for Campgrounds website
(https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/aboutdnr/safely-opening-outdoorrecreation.html).
n. Charter boats and launches that have adopted a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
in accordance with Guidance for Charter and Launch Boats website
(https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/aboutdnr/safely-opening-outdoorrecreation.html).
o. Outdoor tournaments, competitions, practices, and sports that allow for social
distancing, that do not require gatherings prohibited by paragraph 6.c, and that
adhere to the Outdoor Recreation Guidelines. This paragraph does not apply
to activities covered by paragraphs 7.f through 7.h.
p. Guided and instructional activities such as guided fishing or birding that do
not require gatherings prohibited by paragraph 6.c, adhere to social distancing
requirements, and are conducted in accordance with the Outdoor Recreation
Guidelines. This paragraph does not apply to activities covered by paragraphs
7.c.vii or 7.f.
q. Any other outdoor recreation activities and facilities that may be designated in
the Outdoor Recreation Guidelines.
9. Respect for workers. Minnesotans must respect the efforts of employers and
businesses to protect the safety of their workers and customers by complying with
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 those businesses’ social distancing and hygiene instructions. Employers and
businesses must post social distancing and hygiene instructions at entrances and in
locations that can be easily seen by customers and visitors.
10. Enhanced local measures permitted. Nothing in this Executive Order or previous
Executive Orders should be construed to prohibit or prevent political subdivisions
from implementing, within their jurisdictions and pursuant to applicable law and
authority, restrictions beyond the restrictions contained in this Executive Order, as
long as those additional restrictions have a real or substantial relation to the public
health crisis caused by COVID-19. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2019, section
12.32, political subdivisions may not relax or reduce this Executive Order’s
restrictions. In other words, to the extent that they have authority to do so, cities and
other political subdivisions may take actions that are more protective of the public
health but may not take actions that are less protective of the public health.
11. Enforcement. I urge all Minnesotans to voluntarily comply with this Executive
Order. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2019, section 12.45, an individual who
willfully violates this Executive Order is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon
conviction must be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000 or by imprisonment for
not more than 90 days. Any business owner, manager, or supervisor who requires or
encourages any of their employees, contractors, vendors, volunteers, or interns to
violate this Executive Order is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and upon conviction
must be punished by a fine not to exceed $3,000 or by imprisonment for not more
than a year. In addition to those criminal penalties, the Attorney General, as well as
city and county attorneys, may seek any civil relief available pursuant to Minnesota
Statutes 2019, section 8.31, for violations of this Executive Order, including civil
penalties up to $25,000 per occurrence from businesses and injunctive relief. State
and local licensing and regulatory entities that inspect businesses for compliance with
rules and codes to protect the public are encouraged to assess regulated businesses’
compliance with this Executive Order and use existing enforcement tools to bring
businesses into compliance. Nothing in this Executive Order is intended to encourage
or allow law enforcement to transgress individual constitutional rights.
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2019, section 4.035, subdivision 2, and section 12.32, this
Executive Order is effective immediately upon approval by the Executive Council. It remains in
effect until the peacetime emergency declared in Executive Order 20-01 is terminated or until it
is rescinded by proper authority.
A determination that any provision of this Executive Order is invalid will not affect the
enforceability of any other provision of this Executive Order. Rather, the invalid provision will
be modified to the extent necessary so that it is enforceable.

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 Signed on June 5, 2020.

_____________________________________

Tim Walz
Governor

Filed According to Law:

_____________________________________

Steve Simon

Secretary of State

Approved by the Executive Council on June 5, 2020:

_____________________________________

Alice Roberts-Davis

Secretary, Executive Council

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