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On Wednesday, March 25, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued a two-week “stay at home” order beginning Friday, March 27, at midnight to Friday, April 10.

The latest executive order is intended to allow the state to:

  • Build out hospital capacity
  • Increase access to ventilators and other life-saving equipment
  • Increase testing for COVID-19
  • Address personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages for health workers
  • Plan for protecting and caring for vulnerable populations in coming months
  • Assess new data to inform mitigation strategy

The order requires that all workers who can work from home must do so. Workers in critical sectors who are performing work that cannot be done at their home or residence through telework or virtual work, and can be done only at a place of work outside of their home or residence, are exempt from the prohibition.

These critical services exemptions apply only to travel to and from an individual’s home or residence and place of work and an individual’s performance of work duties that cannot be done at their homes or residence. Travel may include transportation to and from child care or school settings as necessary to ensure the safe care of children. Included in the list of workers in critical sectors are educators and other workers supporting public and private schools, as well as colleges and universities.

In accordance with this order and to continue to safeguard the health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff, Saint Mary’s campuses will remain closed to all but essential employees until April 10, as specified by the governor’s orders. In his announcement, Walz noted that he will continue to assess the state’s preparedness, and may extend the order beyond April 10.

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