Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-40 on Thursday, April 23, enabling manufacturing, industrial and non-customer-facing offices to resume operations. Businesses reopening under this executive order are required to develop and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan and follow a series of prevention measures.
Take Action:
- Read the executive order.
- Download the COVID-19 Preparedness Plan template from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
- Read the COVID Plan Guidelines and Checklist.
Executive Order 20-40 Overview
What This Order Does
- Two classifications of businesses can reopen effective Monday, April 27:
- Industrial and manufacturing businesses previous ordered.
- Office-based businesses without customer-facing activities.
- Workplaces that can function with remote operations or telecommuting are still required to do so.
- Workplaces previously deemed critical are not affected by this order.
What Can Occur At Reopened Businesses:
- Interact with co-workers while maintaining appropriate social distancing.
- Conduct virtual meetings with co-workers, customers and suppliers.
- Work at workstations as long as there is adequate space between workers.
- Follow the business’s plan for social distancing.
Limitations For Reopened Businesses:
- Cannot conduct customer visits in customer workplaces or homes.
- Cannot invite customers into the workplace.
- Cannot conduct meetings in conference rooms that don’t allow social distancing.
- Cannot work right next to co-workers.
What Employers Need To Do Before Reopening
- Create a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan that follows MDH and CDC guidelines and meets OSHA standards. Download the
- Follow the health and safety protocols outlined in EO 20-40, including conducting health screenings of workers.
- Encourage teleworking as much as possible. Employees who can work from home should continue doing so.
