REGIONAL— With the 2020 fishing opener and the start of the summer tourism season in northern Minnesota approaching, Gov. Tim Walz has issued a new executive order that relaxes some restrictions designed to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
According to Walz, the changes will allow Minnesotans to continue to enjoy the outdoors close to home while following social distancing guidelines.
His latest executive order allows Minnesotans to engage in a range of activities, including golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, and hiking, as long as they follow new outdoor recreation guidelines. These guidelines include maintaining 6-foot social distancing, avoiding crowded areas, and staying close to home.
 “It’s important for us to stay active and enjoy the outdoors while preventing the spread of COVID-19,” said Gov. Walz. “This measure will allow Minnesotans to take advantage of more opportunities to get outside, while still doing their part to keep their neighbors healthy.”
 Under Executive Order 20-38, facilities that may reopen or remain open include:
• Bait shops for live bait
• Outdoor shooting ranges and game farms
• Public and private parks and trails
• Golf courses and driving ranges
• Boating and off-highway vehicle services, including:
• Marina services
• Dock installation and other lake services
• Boat and off-highway vehicle sales and repair, by appointment only.
Campgrounds and dispersed camping, outdoor recreational equipment retail stores, recreational equipment rental, charter boats, and guided fishing remain closed for now.
Minnesotans should continue to take part in outdoor activities close to their primary residence, urged Walz. Staying home helps protect Minnesotans from spreading COVID-19 and limits pressure on rural medical facilities and essential supplies. 
These new provisions went into effect on last Saturday, April 18.