MN Gov. Tim Walz Announces New Restrictions Ahead Of Christmas

TWIN CITIES, MN — Gov. Tim Walz Wednesday released updated restrictions and guidance related to the coronavirus. Bars, restaurants and breweries must remain closed for indoor dining, under the new state order. However, they can open for outdoor service at 50 percent capacity or up to 100 people.

Each table is limited to four people, and tables must be at least six feet apart.

"The sun is rising across Minnesota. Vaccines have arrived and the light at the end of the tunnel is much brighter today than it was at the beginning of this four-week dial back,” Gov. Tim Walz said in a news release.

• MN GOP Blasts Walz: 'A Great Leader Doesn't Kill An Economy'

"There is strong evidence we are starting to turn a corner thanks to the hard work of Minnesotans over the last few weeks to keep each other safe. But we aren’t out of the woods yet. This way forward will help bridge the gap to vaccination by continuing to protect hospital capacity while prioritizing getting our kids back in the classroom and supporting Minnesotans’ quality of life."

Walz's announcement comes two days before his "four-week pause" order — which reinitiated many restrictions that hadn't been in place since the spring — is set to expire.

Find the state's updated guidance and restrictions below:

Schools

The governor updated the Safe Learning Plan so that starting on January 18, 2021, every elementary school across the state may choose to operate in an in-person learning model as long as they are able to implement additional mitigation strategies, which include providing and requiring staff to wear a face shield and mask and offering regular testing.

Social Gatherings

Indoor gatherings are not recommended, but Minnesotans may gather inside with one other household up to 10 people. If outside, social gatherings may include up to two additional households (three total) with a maximum of 15 people, starting December 19. Masking and social distancing is strongly encouraged.

Gyms and fitness studios

May open for individual exercise at 25 percent capacity, or 100 people maximum, with masks and 12 feet of physical distancing between individuals. Additional guidance about group classes, which can begin January 4, will be forthcoming.

Youth and adult sports

Practices can resume January 4. Additional guidance regarding the resumption of practices will be forthcoming. Additionally, organized sports activity is no longer directly tied to county case data or school learning model.

Outdoor entertainment venues

Open at 25 percent capacity, up to 100 people at a time. If food and drink are served, all must be seated.

"This plan prioritizes the health, well-being, and education of our students, while taking precautions to protect the teachers and staff who care for them, so we can begin to help them make up for lost time," said Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.

"The best place for our students to learn is in the classroom. For our youngest learners, in-person learning is critical for their health and development in both the short and long term."

The governor's office said that as the state approaches 4,500 COVID-19 deaths, hospitalization rates and community spread put Minnesota "well above the high-risk threshold and are still significantly higher than this summer and fall."

In Minnesota as of Wednesday, 1,082 of the available 1,212 ICU beds are in use.

"We are thankful that so many Minnesotans have taken the right steps to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in their communities," Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said.

"We have safe and effective vaccines starting to come into the state, but it will be many months before everyone has a chance to get vaccinated. In the meantime, we need to keep things moving in the right direction by doing those things we know help reduce COVID-19 transmission. That means masking up, keeping socially distant, washing your hands, staying home when sick and getting tested when appropriate."

State relief bill signed into law

The governor Wednesday signed into law $216 million in direct support for small businesses and workers in the state.

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