On March 25, 2020, Governor Walz issued Executive Order 20-20, the Stay at Home Order. The order affects many Minnesota businesses in a drastic way. However, there are a number of exemptions from the Order for businesses in Critical Sectors. Businesses in these Critical Sectors are still being asked to follow the Order to the extent possible, but are exempt from the strict mandates of the Order.
You may be wondering if your business is exempt? Below are links to two documents which will help you analyze your exemption status:
Your analysis of whether you are exempt should start on the Minnesota Critical Businesses list. If your industry is a Yes on that list, you are exempt. If you are No on that list, you should look at the categories in Order 20-20. If you are in one of those identified industries, you are also exempt.
If your business fails to meet either of those “tests,” you have the additional option of applying for an exemption from the state. Applications for exempt status can be found HERE.
Please note that Executive Order 20-20 requires all employees who can work from home to do so, even if they are eligible for a Critical Sector worker exemption.
Our business law team is here to help you make these determinations, apply for exemption status, and navigate all of your business’s needs during these difficult times.