Greetings Everyone,


We’ve continued to keep in touch with the Governor’s office regarding the tree care industry and the "Stay-at-Home" order. MSA received an update yesterday that the we would like to share. The language from the state is as follows:
 

"Landscaping is not generally exempt, unless it is done in service to a critical industry or an emergency need. A clarification on this was added on March 27. An example of a critical industry is construction. And an example of an emergency need would be a tree that has fallen down. This means that you and other employees in this worker category at your place of business must remain at home as directed in Executive Order 20-20 unless you are performing a critical or emergency service. If you cannot work from home and are unable to receive paid leave from your employer, you may qualify for unemployment insurance. Please visit  www.uimn.org  to learn more about unemployment insurance."
 

Please visit  http://mn.gov/stayhomemn  for additional information, including background on how Executive Order 20-20 will impact your daily routines and information on how to access unemployment insurance and health care resources. 
 

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we navigate the COVID-19 crisis in the State of Minnesota.
 

Remember that it is the decision of the owner/operator/employer to continue to work if it’s felt they meet the above criteria. Please make decisions based on what is best for you, your family, your employees, and your customers. MSA wants everyone to stay safe and protect one another. The best way to do that is to simply stay at home, if at all possible. With that being said, MSA is not in a position to decide for our members what work falls into the allowable operations of this order. If you continue to work, you must still make every effort to prevent contact with other people. Some suggestions in addition to the recommendations by the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health are:
 
  • Have crew members meet on the job site instead of at an office or yard
  • Employees not sharing tools or equipment
  • Taking care to wash your hands and face.
 

With this information, please plan and proceed accordingly. If you have any further questions and clarifications, you are advised to visit http://mn.gov/stayhomemn.


A reminder to also stay tuned to msa-live.org/covid19 for the latest MSA updates and resources related to COVID-19.

Thanks and we appreciate your attention to this matter.
 
 
Sincerely,
 
 
The MSA Executive Committee