Gov. Tim Walz extended his stay-home order, with some tweaks. The changes allow for more commerce and up to 30,000 Minnesotans back on the job come Monday by allowing retailers to offer curbside pickup for purchases. The latest order lasts until May 18.
Those tweaks were, predictably, not enough for some Minnesota Republicans. Says Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, R-East Gull Lake: "The Governor is asking the right questions and looking at the right data, but I'm disappointed he's not turning the dial further today. I think he should move further, and faster, opening businesses up again in Minnesota."
Retailers were ready to do curbside pickup service, says House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt. “But if their large competitors can be open to customer traffic, our small retailers should be extended the same opportunity and trust by the governor," the Republican of Zimmerman said.
Business leaders were more tempered in their response, though. “We appreciate the Governor’s ongoing effort to reopen parts of our economy while mitigating health risks to the public,” Charlie Weaver, executive director of the Minnesota Business Partnership, said in a statement. “We trust that the ongoing efforts by businesses to create a safe environment for their employees and customers will allow for additional relaxation of restrictions in the near future.”
After skipping a mask at a major medical facility, Mike Pence wore one to a factory. As the AP reports, the vice president followed general public-health protocol during a General Motors/Ventec ventilator plan in Indiana after skipping the mask at a Mayo Clinic visit.
Before we go, a little non-coronavirus news: Joe Biden is formally looking for his running mate. NPR reports that Biden has formed a search committee for a vice presidential candidate, who he has said would be a woman. On the committee: Former Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd, Delaware Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Cynthia C. Hogan, a top aide to Biden in the Senate and White House.
