MN COVID-19 Restrictions Roll Back Monday: Here's What It Means

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Friday announced the rollback of several coronavirus restrictions that have been in place since the pandemic began, including allowing large public gatherings starting April 1.

In an executive order signed Friday, Walz announced loosened restrictions will begin on March 15. Many of those restrictions will fall away at the end of the day on March 31, at which time groups of up to 10,000 people will be allowed to gather, under some circumstances.

In every setting, masks and social distancing are required, along with other guidance set forth in the Stay Safe Minnesota plan.

• Small Gatherings
  • Starting March 15, indoor gatherings of up to 15 people and outdoor gatherings of up to 50 people will be allowed
  • Masks and social distancing are required
• Restaurants and Bars
  • Starting March 15, establishments with indoor and outdoor dining can open to 75 percent of capacity, or a maximum of 250 people
  • On April 1, establishments can open to the maximum capacity possible while social distancing is maintained
  • Parties must be seated at least six feet from one another, and bar seating must be limited to parties of four
  • Establishments will still be required to close between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. and continue to limit the number of people at a table to six
• Personal Services — Salons, Barber Shops, Tattoos
  • On March 15, personal services businesses can open to 100 percent capacity
  • Social distancing must be maintained at all times
• Houses of Worship
  • Religious services, funerals and weddings can open to 100 percent capacity
  • Masks must be worn at all times
  • Individual households must stay six feel away from one another
• Gyms and Fitness Studios
  • Starting March 15, gyms and fitness studios can open to 50 percent capacity or a maximum of 250 people
  • Starting April 1, gyms and fitness studios can open to full capacity, or a maximum of 1,500 people, while physical distancing and mask-wearing continue
  • Masks can only be removed when swimming or showering
• Entertainment Venues
  • Venues like theaters, concert halls, stadiums, fairs and bowling alleys can open to accommodate up to 3,000 people for seated venues or 1,500 people for non-seated venues starting April 1
  • Establishments with outdoor space will be allowed to contain as many people as a space can hold while social distancing is maintained — up to 10,000
• Public Pools and Swim Parks
• Starting March 15, pools and swim parks can open to 50 percent capacity or a maximum of 250 people
• On April 1, indoor public pools and water parks can accommodate up to 1,500 people, and outdoor pools can accommodate up to 10,000 people
• Social distancing is required at all times
• Private Parties in Recreational Spaces
  • Starting March 15, these gatherings will be limited to venue capacity limits. No more than six people can gather at a table
  • Starting April 1, reception spaces for private parties may exceed 250 people with social distancing and mask requirements in place

As things reopen across the state, customer-facing businesses still will be required to follow all state and local health guidance around the coronavirus including masks, social distancing, hygiene and disinfection. Walz also noted health screenings should continue, and workers with symptoms of an illness should always stay home.

"As we pass the one-year mark since the first reported case of COVID-19 in Minnesota, we can see the finish line," Walz wrote in the order. "Because of our adherence to emergency measures and our careful approach, many key metrics are below where they were at the most severe stages of the surge, and our children are returning to in-person learning. Over one million Minnesotans, including over 70 percent of those over the age of 65, have received at least one dose of vaccine."

Walz cautioned that easing restrictions will increase the risk of coronavirus transmission, especially with more contagious variants of the illness being reported in the state.

"Experience shows that indoor activities are riskier than outdoor activities. In addition, science, data, and experience also show that the late-night bar and restaurant hours are particularly risky for patrons. Recognizing the impact of these variables, this Executive Order continues to limit certain settings more than others due to the varying levels of risk and impact on public health."

The full plan, including key reopening dates and guidelines, can be found on the Stay Safe Minnesota webpage.