Don’t appear to be practicing social distancing. WCCO reports: “For a second day in a row, protesters gathered Friday outside the governor’s mansion in St. Paul, urging Gov. Tim Walz to end the state’s stay-at-home order. … At noon, dozens of protesters could be seen lining the street in front of the governor’s residence, holding signs and American flags. The group is calling themselves ‘Liberate Minnesota.’ Their organizers say the state’s stay-at-home order has gone on long enough and Minnesotans should be able to go back to work.”
Is joining Canada an option:
LIBERATE MINNESOTA!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2020
Traffic shifts. The Star Tribune’s Miguel Otárola reports: “The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will close parkways to cars along Bde Maka Ska while reopening those along Lake Harriet so seniors and others at special risk from coronavirus can visit by car during Gov. Tim Walz’s stay-at-home order. … The northbound lane of West Bde Maka Ska Parkway between Richfield Road and Lake Street will be closed Monday morning to give pedestrians enough space for social distancing. … The southbound lane of East Bde Maka Ska Parkway between 36th Street and Lake Street was closed last week. Both closures will last through May 4, the end of the stay-at-home order. … Lake Harriet Parkway, which was closed to traffic since late March, will reopen Monday morning.”
In other news…
In spite of precautions: “First COVID-19 case confirmed at pork plant in Worthington” [Star Tribune]
Sounds likely: “Wabasha County to discuss closing jail” [River Towns]
Losing a prominent voice: “Rosario: Time to say goodbye for now” [Pioneer Press]
You can still get your vinyl: “With Record Store Day postponed, local shops are getting creative” [City Pages]
