Gov. Walz Loosens MN Coronavirus Restrictions: Full List Released

TWIN CITIES, MN — Gov. Tim Walz Wednesday unveiled his plan for looser coronavirus restrictions on businesses and social gatherings Wednesday, including allowing indoor dining at bars and restaurants. The updated restrictions go into effect Jan. 11.

Walz's office noted that his announcement comes "as the COVID-19 situation improves by nearly every metric across Minnesota."

Since early December, COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths have decreased. More than 80,000 Minnesotans have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

"The situation in Minnesota is undeniably better than it was last month," Walz said in a news release Wednesday.

"We have reasons to be optimistic, and Minnesotans’ sacrifice and commitment to their communities helped change the pandemic’s trajectory and saved lives. But we need to protect the progress we’ve made."

See the full list of coronavirus restrictions released by the governor's office Wednesday:

Restaurants

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.

Gyms

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 venues

Outdoor events and entertainment continue at 25 percent capacity, but maximum capacity increases to 250 people. Social distancing is required.

Indoor events and entertainment venues

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 sports

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

Pools opened on January 4 for some activity and may now open, like gyms, at 25 percent capacity.

Wedding receptions

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

Places of worship remain open at 50% capacity but without an overall maximum capacity.

"As we cautiously adjust the dials to help Minnesotans return to important elements of their daily lives, we continue to monitor where we stand," Walz continued. "Two months ago the pandemic quickly snowballed from manageable to out-of-control. For our students, our small businesses, and public health, we cannot allow that to happen again."

Walz's office noted that Minnesota still faces challenges in "protecting the recent progress" against the spread of COVID-19:

Some other states are seeing the virus surge.

Public health experts, including Dr. Fauci, are warning of the potential for a post-holiday wave of cases.

Concern remains about the emergence of a new, more contagious coronavirus variant spreading around the world.

As the weather gets colder and Minnesotans move indoors, gatherings occur more often in settings that allow the virus to spread more easily.

"Minnesotans have worked hard and done their part to get us back from the edge of the cliff, and now they can help keep things on the right track," Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said.

"One year into this pandemic, we know that improvements are tenuous. If we let our guard down, COVID-19 finds a way to surge back in terrifying ways. That means it’s still very important to wear a mask and stay 6 feet from others when you are out in the community. As we look for vaccines to become more widely available for all of us, these basic protections can serve as a bridge to better days ahead."

Also read: Coronavirus: St. Paul Pub Faces License Suspension