Meanwhile, in Minnesota...

A little more loosening of restrictions without throwing the baby out with the bathwater! Restaurants  and bars will remain closed, and social distancing and restrictions on mass gatherings will limit worship services and public events.

Here, the Republican legislators are supporting the Democratic governor, and the state supreme court is not involved.  It seems to be working better than in Wisconsin, where -- I really can't believe it -- there are no restrictions now, it seems, and everything everywhere could be opened, if there is demand among citizens.  Just... wow! 

(I wonder if those infected numbers will begin to rise soon, or not show until the fall.  Wisconsin in summer is a tourist magnet from other states, including Illinois, Minnesota and Iowa.  All-Open, No Limits might spell economic success but a higher than average contagion rate. Shake, shake, shaking that Magic 8-ball again...)

Gov. Tim Walz said Wednesday that he will allow stores to reopen and let Minnesotans leave the house more, while leaving in place for now restrictions for bars, restaurants, theaters, hair salons and other businesses with in-person services.

The announcement, delivered in a livestreamed address to Minnesotans Wednesday evening, means many small businesses and retailers can open their doors to customers on Monday, as long as they have a plan to keep employees and customers safe with social distancing.

“The stay-at-home order is expiring and the dials are turning, but that doesn’t mean we are carefree and can return to the way things were,” Walz said. “It means we have to stay safe, take care, care for our own health and care for our neighbor.”

It’s a significant step in the governor’s response to the virus, loosening a stay-at-home order after nearly two months of restrictions meant to slow the spread of the coronavirus. But it’s not a wholesale reopening of the state.  Schools are already closed for the rest of the academic year, and a separate order closing events and businesses where people are in close contact will continue, as will restrictions on other public spaces and church services. Anyone who can work from home must, and gatherings must not exceed 10 people.

Walz also wants elderly residents and those with underlying medical conditions and a higher risk of severe illness to continue to stay home to limit their exposure to the virus.

...

The new strategy is being dubbed “Stay Safe MN.” The current stay-at-home order — an extreme form of social distancing — was put in place on March 28 while the state increased hospital bed capacity and stockpiles of ventilators and personal protective equipment.

Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, R-East Gull Lake, expressed support to the Governor’s announcement, suggesting that Walz had bowed to GOP pressure to reopen more businesses,

“We’re moving in the right direction,” Gazelka says in a video released during Walz’s address. “This is really good news. I’m glad that he listened to us and I feel like we lead the way. Now it’s up to us, you and me, that we practice safe distancing. I have every confidence we’re going to be able to do it. Minnesota is back on track.”