MINNESOTA — After announcing that classes will be canceled for the rest of the spring, Gov. Tim Walz Thursday released his plan to gradually loosen "Stay Home" restrictions on Minnesota businesses, allowing certain non-critical businesses to begin again.

Developed in partnerships with businesses, labor and worker organizations, and public health experts, Walz says his plan will allow between 80,000 to 100,000 Minnesotans to return to work in industrial, manufacturing, and office settings on Monday, April 27. Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in Minnesota. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.



Prior to loosening restrictions for a given setting, businesses must: Create, share, and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan that sets out the actions they are taking to ensure social distancing, worker hygiene, and facility cleaning and disinfection necessary to keep workers safe

Engage in health screening of employees and ensure that sick employees stay home

Continue to work from home whenever possible "This is a limited first step in the process of safely reopening some businesses and returning Minnesotans to work," said Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove in a statement.

"We will continue to listen to and seek input from business and community leaders and work with public health experts on creative solutions to put more people back to work as safely and quickly as possible." Classes canceled for rest of school year Walz Thursday also announced that distance learning will continue through the rest of the 2019-2020 school calendar year. The state continues to pursue opportunities to expand technology for students, provide guidance for educators on how to best connect with students, and support families.

"As a former teacher, this is a heartbreaking decision," Walz said. "I am sorry for all of our students who will miss out on graduations, tournaments, and end of year celebrations. While I recognize distance learning is a challenge for many families, it is critical to social distancing in Minnesota and supports the health of Minnesota's families. We will continue looking for ways to improve the current system and better support our children."

"Distance learning has created new challenges for all of us, but especially students of color, Native Americans, students in Greater Minnesota, students with disabilities, and low-income families, among others," said Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.

"Students are missing their friends and routines, and families are struggling to work while helping their young learners. We can and must do more to ensure that every child is receiving the education they deserve and we will always put the safety and well-being of our families first." Minnesota had yet another new high for coronavirus deaths Thursday. Twenty-one more people died from the new coronavirus, the Minnesota Department of Health announced Thursday. The state's death toll from the virus is now at 200.

