NC Minnesota News

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’ executive order directing state residents to stay at home has begun, but not without some pushback as Sen. Paul Utke is left to wonder if it is premature.

The order is effective through April 10 and is in effect for all but essential workers and critical services exempted from the order.

“The governor’s concern for the health and safety of Minnesotans is well-placed. That said, I think the ‘Stay-at-Home’ order is premature, and the mandatory closure of ‘non-essential’ business is overreaching. The people of this state will have extensive ground to make up when the crisis is over and the shutdown is lifted,” Utke said.

The first cases of COVID-19 were detected on March 15. As of March 28, the Minnesota Department of Health reported 441 cases in the state, 220 of which no longer needed to be isolated. There were five recorded deaths.

Utke has been active on social media providing his constituents with information on who is essential or provides critical services and who doesn’t. He pointed out starting on April 16 the Legislature would have a voice on what happens to any active executive orders.  

He noted that there are several gray areas of confusion in the existing order and cited a car wash as an example.

“There are a lot of gray areas,” he said. “A convenience store with a carwash would be open so why treat a standalone carwash differently?”

In addition to the closure of non-essential businesses closing, Minnesotans have been advised against traveling except for necessities such as groceries, medicine and to get some fresh air. KSTP reported the focus of the order is education and slowing down transmission of the virus. There are potential fines if the rules aren’t followed.

Utke is not the only one in the Legislature who is concerned as Sen. Scott Jensen has warned against the unintended consequences of the order. Jensen said the state needed to be judicious and careful. Utke agreed on social media, saying it was important not to get tunnel vision.

“We have to consider the consequences of government action and understand that overreach is entirely too possible in the midst of a panic,” Utke said.