As you are probably aware, yesterday afternoon, March 25, 2020, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced Executive Order 20-20 (the “Order”), directing Minnesotans to stay at home. As set forth in the order, beginning at 11:59 pm on Friday, March 27, 2020 through 5:00 pm, Friday, April 10, 2020, all persons currently living within the State of Minnesota are ordered to stay at home or at their place of residence except to engage in activities or work for critical sectors as outlined in the Order. The 21-page Order lists Financial Services as a critical service, which includes workers at banks. As a result, bank employees will be permitted to leave their homes to come to work.

Banks should consider providing each employee commuting to the office with a letter outlining that they are an employee of an institution deemed essential under the Order. Though not required, we have found this can be valuable for employees if they are questioned about their purpose being outside of their home.