April 8, 2020 Dear Colleague: Today, I signed Executive Order 20-33 to extend the Stay at Home Order until May 4. This means bars, restaurants, and non-essential businesses will remain closed throughout the state for another three weeks. This is not a decision we made lightly. Every day these businesses remain closed is another day of economic hardship for individuals, families, and communities. It is, however, necessary and is supported by the best science and analysis we can bring to bear. While Minnesotans are doing a great job staying home and are successfully pushing out and flattening the peak of COVID-19, the fight is far from over and we need to keep going. Even a slight lessening of our efforts in this area could bend the trajectory of this outbreak to a very different and unwelcome situation. In reaching this decision, my office and agency leaders, consulted national and Minnesota experts. We also noted that most other states have extended their stay-at-home orders and that the federal government recently extended nationwide social distancing guidelines for another 30 days. Minnesota’s Department of Health and the hospitals across our state also recommend this extension. The work you and your colleagues do has never been more important and we have never been more proud to be Minnesotans: across the breadth of state government, our teams have proven ready and resilient and have remained dedicated and mission-focused on providing much-needed services to Minnesotans. From the parents who are juggling working at home to our front-line employees who must go to the worksite to keep our critical 24/7 and customer-facing operations running. Truly and without any attempt at hyperbole, you are heroes. As we move forward with the stay-at-home extension, you will receive more information about what it means for you and your agency. Minnesota Management and Budget and your leaders remain committed to ensuring your safety, the safety of your colleagues, and of our community. In support of that commitment to safety, it’s important to remember the following: Certain activities continue to be allowed including outdoor exercise, obtaining food, gas, and needed supplies, seeking medical services, caring for others, and relocating for safety or displacement reasons. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of face coverings in public spaces, in addition to staying six feet apart, frequent handwashing, and other disinfecting measures that help prevent the spread of the virus. If you are currently working from home at the direction of your manager, continue to do so unless otherwise instructed. Some state agency employees may be temporarily redeployed to support critical service areas. If you are selected for a redeployment or reassignment, it is in response to a critical need where your experiences and expertise can make an important difference. Please bring those skills and talents to these temporary assignments. You can continue to find more information at mn.gov/bereadymn including the most recent version of our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for employees. If you have questions regarding your specific circumstances, please bring them to your manager or human resources office. As before, as always, thank you for your dedication and commitment to serving Minnesotans during this unprecedented time. Sincerely,        Governor Tim Walz                  Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan

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