Ellison takes action against Wabasha County gym that refuses to follow executive order

Photo: AP/ John Autey, Pioneer Press. In this Wednesday, May 27, 2020, file photo, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison answers questions during a news conference in St. Paul, Minn., about the investigation into the death of George Floyd, who died May 25, while in the custody of Minneapolis police officers. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Sunday, May 31, that he decided Ellison needs to lead the case.

Charlie Wiese
Updated: November 25, 2020 03:20 PM
Created: November 25, 2020 02:56 PM

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison took legal action against a Wabasha County gym that refused to comply by the governor's executive order Wednesday.

According to a release from the Attorney General's Office, the office filed a lawsuit and restraining order against Plainview Wellness Center for refusing to comply with Executive Order 20-99. The order requires a four-week dial-back of certain activities to halt the spread of COVID-19, and includes the closure of gyms.

The Attorney General's Office reached out to Plainview Wellness Center first to educate the management about the requirements of the executive order. Management, however, threatened to continue to operate and stay open in violation of the order's requirements.

"Governor Walz has made the tough but smart choice to dial back activities that data have shown spread COVID-19," Ellison said. "I know these requirements are hard on folks — but fortunately, the vast majority of people and businesses affected are making that sacrifice and complying with the order, because they know we’re all responsible for stopping the spread of COVID. I’d much rather that everyone comply — but when it’s necessary to go to court to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect compliant businesses from unfair competition, I won’t hesitate to do so."

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"I remind everyone that COVID-19 is deadly serious: it doesn’t care who you are, where you live, or how you contract it. More than 10 million Americans, including more than 275,000 Minnesotans, have already suffered from it, some with long-lasting consequences," Ellison continued. "More than 250,000 Americans, including more than 3,000 Minnesotans and my own mother, have already died from it. No one is immune from COVID-19, but we all have the power to stop it."

This is the first action taken by Ellison's office to enforce Executive Order 20-99.

Ellison reminded Minnesotans that they can report COVID-19-related concerns or complaints either through the dedicated COVID-19 online complaint form on his website or by calling his office at 651-296-3353 (Metro area) or 800-657-3787 (Greater Minnesota).