WABASHA, Minn. – The owner of a Plainview gym was ordered to shut down at least temporarily. Judge Christopher Neisen denied the gym owner’s request to be exempted from state COVID rules. The judge’s order is temporary pending a trial on the merits of the case. A trial may be moot because the ban expires December 18 – unless Governor Tim Walz decides to extend the order. Judge Neisen explained his decision on these criteria:
> The governor’s purpose with the ban was worthy, to protect public health.
> The Plainview gym would have an unfair business advantage over other gyms if it were exempted from the governor’s order.
> Public policy doesn’t allow unilateral disregard of a governor’s order, which has the effect of law.