St. Cloud Sun

Sen. Andrew Matthews expressed disappointment in Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's extension of the state's stay-at-home order to May 4. 

Matthews said the news of the extension was disappointing to many businesses in Minnesota, because many of them are capable of safely operating and following guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a press release. 

“Gov. Walz’s announcement to extend the stay-at-home order is seriously disappointing for our local and small businesses. We know that many industries can operate in a safe manner according to the CDC guidelines. This blanket order does not fit our largely rural state," Matthews said in the release. "The governor mentioned items in his announcement that were brought up by me and other GOP senators as good options for re-opening, like boat repair and storage shops, golf courses and others. Instead of saying ‘Here’s my plan,’ his announcement today amounted to ‘We’ll keep looking into it.’ We cannot afford inaction."

Since many stores like Walmart remain open with many people shopping at them, Matthews said there is no reason others stores and businesses can't safely reopen. Many businesses owners have already discussed their safety plans that would be implemented if they are allowed to reopen, Matthews said. 

"It matches point-by-point to Gov. Walz’s description of what he wants to see before opening other businesses," Matthews said in the release. "Let business owners do the planning. We can’t eliminate all risks, but we can apply safety protocols to expanded areas to keep our residents healthy and well."