Governor Walz made an announcement this week about the easing of COVID-19 restrictions that have been in place over the past two months. Due to the slowing of new positive COVID-19 cases after a peak in November, the governor has made the decision to re-open specific sectors of the state economy including indoor dining. Changes will go into effect on Monday, January 11. The governor emphasized that this action is taken with the understanding that Minnesotans still need to remain cautious and take proper precautions.
The new guidelines in place:
- Indoor dining at bars and restaurants can be open at 50% capacity, with a maximum of 150 people. Parties of no more than 6 people, with six feet distance from other parties; bar seating is open to parties of two; reservations are required; and establishments must close dine-in service by 10 p.m.
- Gym capacity remains capped at 25% but maximum capacity is 150 and classes can be increased to 25 people, assuming distancing can be observed. Machines and people must maintain nine feet of distance. Face coverings are required
- Outdoor events and entertainment continue at 25% capacity, but maximum capacity increases to 250. Social distancing is required
- Indoor events and entertainment – like bowling alleys, movie theaters, and museums – continue at 25% capacity, with no more than 25 people in each area of the venue. Face coverings are required, and they may not offer food service after 10 p.m.
- Youth and adult organized sport have resumed practice as of January 4, and games resume January 14 with spectators, following the appropriate capacity limits for indoor and outdoor venues. Inter-region tournaments and out of state play are discouraged
- Pools, like gyms, increase to 25% capacity
- Wedding receptions and other private parties may resume with limits. If food and drink are served at the event, then they are limited to two households or 10 people indoors and three households or 15 people outdoors. If there is no food or drink, they are covered by event venue guidelines. Any related ceremony – like a wedding or funeral ceremony – is guided by rules for ceremonies and places of worship
- Places of worship remain at 50% capacity but without an overall maximum capacity
