North Hennepin News

Sen. Mary Kiffmeyer has expressed her disappointment on Minnesota salons and barber shops not being allowed to offer curbside pick-up of their products during the coronavirus pandemic. 

“I have been provided several examples of how this can be accomplished with little or no contact,” Kiffmeyer said in a post on her Facebook page. “If restaurants can offer curbside pickup, why not salons and barber shops? I’m pushing hard to change this and will be introducing a bill to specifically allow curbside for salons and barber shops. I would encourage those of you who had started offering curbside pickup to share how you accomplished this with the governor’s office.”

While Kiffmeyer was disappointed on the state’s stance regarding curbside pickup, she praised Gov. Tim Walz’s executive order that would enable various outdoor recreation activities to resume. Among the facilities that can stay open are public and private parks and trails, golf courses and driving ranges, outdoor shooting ranges and game farms, bait shops for live bait, and those offering marina services, dock installation, and boat and off-highway vehicle sales and repair.

“Although this is a small step, I am happy the governor is listening to Minnesotans and beginning to safely reopen our state,” she said in another Facebook post. “Enjoy the fresh air!”

The State of Minnesota recently extended its stay-at-home order until May 4. Residents are allowed to leave their homes for a number of reasons including to go to work, obtain needed supplies and services, participate in outdoor activities, provide care for others and relocate for safety reasons.

The extension is intended to help slow the spread of COVID-19, push out the peak of the virus and allow the state to continue to make preparations such as expanding hospital capacity, testing and access to personal protective equipment.