Memorial Day weekend in Minnesota usually means more people outdoors and more people on the water. But in the wake of COVID-19, Polk County officials want to make sure everyone is safe and continue to follow social distancing guidelines.
Polk County chief deputy Michael Norland said this year won’t be much different than any other for the sheriff’s office when it comes to Memorial Day. The Boat and Water Safety Program will have patrol boats out at the county’s lakes and rivers, making sure everyone is safe.
“Our main goal is just to educate,” Norland said. “We’re not out there to write citations or do stuff like that. We want to make sure people are being safe, especially with Memorial Day. There’ll be a lot of boat and water activity going on. Nothing has changed – we’re going to be out there, making sure people are doing what they’re supposed to.”
Overall, Norland says the people of Polk County have generally kept themselves safe on Memorial Day weekend over the last several years.
“We’ve only had one minor accident on the lakes in the last six years,” Norland said. “Usually, it’s busy, but people have been safe.”
Campgrounds and state parks, meanwhile, will be allowed to be reopen on June 1 under new guidance issued by Governor Tim Walz on Wednesday, but they will remain closed over Memorial Day weekend. Polk County Planning and Zoning administrator Jake Snyder said once those camping areas do open back up, practicing social distancing will be still be required. “(The state) wants gatherings of 10 or less people even if it’s family,” Snyder said.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources also urges those who plan on camping this summer to have a COVID-19 preparedness plan to manage exposure to the virus. Snyder reminds everyone that whatever plans you make, be sure to stay home if you’re not feeling well.
“If you’re sick, stay home,” Snyder reiterated. “That’s really the guidance on all of the orders and all public health. Polk County Public Health has been doing a lot of outreach on recommendations for residents of Polk County, Grand Forks and beyond. If you’re sick, don’t be interacting with people. Stay home.”
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