Today, March 12, 2021, Governor Walz issued a new Executive Order, easing several COVID-19 restrictions, including, most notably, a discontinuation of the work from home requirement effective April 15.
Working from Home No Longer Required Effective April 15
For months, Minnesota employers have been required to have all employees who could work from home do so. Under the new Order, this requirement has been made non-mandatory, now reading as follows:
“Beginning April 14, 2021 at 11:59 p.m., employers are strongly encouraged to allow employees who can work from home to continue to work from home. Employers are also strongly encouraged to implement reasonable accommodations for at-risk employees or employees with one or more members of their households who have underlying medical conditions and are not yet eligible for vaccination.”
The Order additionally notes that employers must still comply with their “obligations to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified employees with disabilities” under State and Federal law.
Social Distancing Still Required
Even with workers returning to the office, the Order additionally provides that “[a]ll work must be conducted in a manner that adheres to Minnesota OSHA Standards and MDH and CDC Guidelines, including social distancing and hygiene practices.” Although these requirements may change as more individuals become vaccinated, the current CDC guidance (most recently updated March 8) still recommends social distancing of at least six feet.
Bottom Line
The Governor’s most recent Executive Order represents the most dramatic reduction in COVID-related restrictions for employers to date, and signals the light at the end of the tunnel for employers who wish to begin resuming “normal” operations post-pandemic.