Gov. Walz Loosens Minnesota's Coronavirus Restrictions

ACROSS MINNESOTA — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed a new executive order Friday, further loosening some of the state's COVID-19 restrictions on public establishments and social gatherings.

The governor cited a decrease in hospitalizations and in the COVID-19 positivity rate as well as the progress made in vaccinating the most vulnerable as reasons for lifting some of the current COVID-19 restrictions.

"Our small businesses have made enormous sacrifices for the health of their employees and communities,” Walz said in a news release. “Today, we can make these cautious, common sense adjustments to support them because of the progress we have made controlling the spread of COVID-19 and getting the most at-risk Minnesotans vaccinated.”

Effective noon Saturday, the new executive order will:

• Increase the “not to exceed” capacity in restaurants to 250, while leaving the maximum capacity at 50 percent.
• Increase indoor entertainment “not to exceed” capacity to 250, while leaving the maximum capacity at 25 percent.
• Increase private events and celebrations “not to exceed” capacity to 50, while leaving the maximum capacity at 25.
• Increase gym and pool “not to exceed” capacity to 250, while leaving maximum capacity at 25 percent, and reducing distancing requirement to 6 feet.
• Allow restaurants to stay open until 11 p.m.

Meanwhile, Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove said that while these new measures are not a "major dial turn," state officials believe they'll make a difference to thousands of businesses and workers across Minnesota — as long as residents continue to take preventive measures to safeguard themselves against the coronavirus.

“To keep making progress in growing our hospitality sector, it’s critical that we all remain vigilant in fighting COVID-19 by washing our hands, masking up and staying 6 feet apart," he said.

The governor's executive order remains in effect indefinitely. To read it in its entirety, see below: