Malls begin to reopen during Walz’s new ‘stay safe Minnesota’ order

Minnesotans can now shop in malls that have decided to open.

There were shoppers waiting outside the Rosedale Center on Monday at 10 a.m. The mall opened at 11 a.m.

In the latest major adjustment to the state’s coronavirus response, Gov. Tim Walz ended the ‘stay at home’ order and entered the state into its new ‘stay safe Minnesota’ order.

With the ability to gather in small, socially-distanced groups, Walz said some retail businesses, such as those in malls and main street businesses, will be allowed to reopen up to 50% capacity with some guidelines and plans in place.

“We’ve modified our hours too,” Lisa Crain, senior general manager at Rosedale Center, said. “We (want to make sure we) have enough time to take over the center and start cleaning again and making sure we’re hitting those areas that a lot of people are touching.”

Ridgedale in Minnetonka and the Edina Galleria also opened Monday. The Mall of America has plans to open June 1.

Mall of America announces reopening of retail stores on June 1

There are still businesses that will remain closed under current restrictions. Walz said discussions on reopening those places will continue.

The governor said he’s aiming for places like bars, restaurants, barber shops and salons to reopen on June 1, and that he is directing staff to develop guidelines so those places can safely reopen. Walz added that will "coincide with a significant increase in testing, tracing, and isolating the virus in the state."