Democrat Governors in Colorado, Minnesota, Montana Moving to Reopen Their States

Colorado, Minnesota, and Montana are among the next cluster of states to begin reopening their economies as their Democrat governors roll out plans to gradually get their respective states back to normalcy.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) on Sunday issued a “Safer at Home” order, detailing the phased approach to reopen the economy in the Centennial State.

While the order encourages Coloradans, particularly those deemed “vulnerable,” to stay at home, it slowly reintroduces “nonessential” businesses and practices, allowing retailers to reopen with curbside services on Monday, April 27. Retailers will be allowed to resume in-person business on May 1, as long as they abide by proper social distancing protocols. Nail and hair salons will also be able to resume operations May 1.

“I know everybody is chomping at the bit [to return],” Polis said, according to ABC 7. “But we need to get this right if it’s going to be successful.”

Elective dental, medical, and veterinary procedures will also be allowed under the “Safer at Home” order, and offices across the state will be allowed to reopen with 50 percent of the workforce beginning May 1. However, teleworking is still highly encouraged.

Restaurants, bars, and gyms will remain close under the new order, although restaurants are able to offer curbside and delivery services.

“Together, Coloradans have been effective in leveling and flattening the curve, but life will remain much more dangerous than usual these next few months and we should all wear masks when in public. Safer at Home is by no means a free-for-all,” Polis said in a statement, emphasizing the importance of finding a way of living that “is psychologically and economically sustainable for Coloradans.”

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock (D), a former Democrat presidential candidate who is now running for Senate, is also moving his state in a similar direction, outlining a three phase plan that allows retailers, restaurants, and churches to open if they abide by strict social distancing guidelines and limit capacity in their facilities. Phase one kicks off this week, but Bullock warned that the state will not move on to the next phase  — which allows gatherings of up to 50 people, opens theaters and bowling alleys, and allows restaurants to increase capacity — “if the curve does not remain flat.”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) is slowly following suit in his state, taking a more measured approach. He is keeping his stay at home order in place until May 4 but allowing “nonessential” employees in manufacturing, industrial, and office settings to resume work.

“A predictable setting is a factory with set work stations that have been cleaned, that have protective equipment on people and knows exactly who touches the product and where it goes,” Walz said, explaining his decision.

“A very unpredictable setting is a baseball game with people going up to the concession stand or the restroom while they’re amongst a lot of people,” he added.

Millions of Americans have found themselves out of work as a result of the shutdowns spurred by the pandemic. Reopen America protests popped up across the country last week as Americans demanded their respective governors to reopen their states and allow them to go back to work, as data suggests the curve is flattening.