SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Wednesday, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced measures to loosen restrictions on a variety of activities and sectors including indoor service at restaurants, entertainment venues and events, and fitness centers. Rep. Mike Sundin (DFL – Esko) applauded the move, which follows an improvement in many COVID-19 metrics throughout the state.
“Keeping Minnesotans safe and healthy during this pandemic is a priority we all share. Many of our bar and restaurant owners have demonstrated their ability to operate in a safe manner, and I’m pleased they can resume serving customers,” Rep. Sundin said. “Although the situation is improving, we know the threat of COVID remains. Every Minnesotan needs to continue to take responsible steps like wearing a mask, social distancing, and staying home if they’re sick.”
Starting January 11, the following changes to public health guidelines take effect:
- Indoor dining at bars and restaurants can open at 50 percent capacity, with a maximum of 150 people. Parties of no more than six people must remain six feet 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 percent but maximum capacity increases to 150 and classes can increase to 25 people, assuming distancing can be observed. Machines and people must maintain 9 feet of distance. Face coverings are required.
- Outdoor events and entertainment continue at 25 percent capacity, but maximum capacity increases to 250 people. Social distancing is required.
- Indoor events and entertainment – like bowling alleys, movie theaters, and museums – may open at 25 percent, with no more than 150 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 sports have resumed practice as of January 4 and games resume January 14 with spectators, following the appropriate capacity limits for indoor or outdoor venues. Inter-region tournaments and out of state play are discouraged.
- Pools opened on January 4 for some activity and may now open, like gyms, at 25 percent 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 3 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 open at 50% capacity but without an overall maximum capacity.
Last month, lawmakers delivered an urgent $216 million package of economic assistance, including direct support for businesses, extended unemployment benefits for displaced workers, and other assistance, and other financial support to aid in Minnesota’s economic recovery.
More information on the revised guidance and the state’s COVID-19 response is available here.