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Police, Sheriff’s office outline “Stay Home” enforcement policies

NEW ULM — The New Ulm Police Department and Brown County Sheriff’s Office have issued a statement on how they will be enforcing Executive Order 20-20 that has been recently issued by Governor Walz on March 25 and is effective from March 27, 2020 at 11:59 pm through Friday, April 10, 2020 at 5 pm. 

The Executive Order’s primary focus is consistent with a growing nationwide effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 by strongly encouraging Minnesota residents to “Stay at Home” and practice social distancing with other people.  

All law enforcement agencies within Minnesota are required to enforce the Executive Order. Violations are considered a misdemeanor. 

“Our goals as law enforcement remains the same, to deter crime, attempt to deter motor vehicle crashes and keep our roadways and public safe,” the statement said. “This Executive Order is certainly part of our responsibilities and will be diligently enforced; however, law enforcement will be following the same enforcement procedures as in the past, which requires meeting certain levels of proof to execute action

The statement addresses three of the most common questions that have been presented to law enforcement concerning the Executive Order:

1. Can I travel?

Yes.  The order permits people to travel for many reason to include “drive for pleasure.”

2. Do we need documentation of being an essential /critical employee?  

No.  This is not required, but having some type of form or business Identification Card might be helpful for employees to better define their job responsibility.  We recommend that there is some type of contact information for the officer to follow up on.  Usually, most employers have been recommending employees use their supervisor or a representative from Human Resources for contact inquires.

3. Can we be outside? 

Yes.   Governor Walz encouraged people to be active and his order allows residents to go for a walk, go jogging, ride their bicycle, visit public parks / public recreation lands, go for a car ride or go hunting and fishing, just observe six foot social distancing rule while doing so.

For details and exceptions please visit https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/

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