Reduced COVID-19 Restrictions in MN Starting Today
Beginning on today, Minnesotans can safely gather with more friends and loved ones and do more to support small businesses harmed the most by COVID-19. Governor Walz and public health officials say restrictions can be eased because Minnesotans are following public health guidelines, hospitalizations are falling, and the state is weeks ahead of schedule on vaccinations. Nearly 1.2 million Minnesotans and more than 70 percent of seniors have gotten a shot. Click here to watch Gov. Walz’s news conference announcing the changes, or click here to read coverage from the Star Tribune.
Reduced restrictions starting today (March 15th) will include the following:
- Social gatherings: Up to 50 people outdoors or 15 people for indoor gatherings, both without household limits.
- Wedding ceremonies and religious services: No percentage or capacity limits. Social distancing and masks required.
- Bars and restaurants: Increasing allowable occupancy to 75%, up from 50%, with a limit of 250 people. The limit applies separately indoors and outdoors. Bar seating increases to parties of 4.
- Salons/barbers: No percentage or capacity limits, but social distancing and masks required.
- Gyms/fitness centers/pools: Increasing allowable occupancy to 50%, up from 25%.
As summer nears, Minnesotans want to be more active: to go to a baseball game or a soccer match or a reception or other celebration. With the progress we’ve made, we can adjust guidelines for venues. All venues can open at 50% capacity up to 250 people as of March 15. Venues with capacity over 500 can add additional guests, effective April 1:
- Seated outdoor venues can add an additional 25% of their capacity over 500, with a limit of 10,000 people.
- Non-seated outdoor venues can add an additional 15% of their capacity over 500, with a limit of 10,000 people.
- Seated indoor venues can add an additional 15% of their capacity over 500, with a limit of 3,000 people.
- Non-seated indoor venues can add an additional 10% of their capacity over 500, with a limit of 1,500 people.
Effective April 15, work from home will be strongly recommended for those who can, BUT not required. All employers should continue to accommodate employees who wish to work from home and must provide reasonable accommodations as required by law.
- Minnesotans should keep wearing masks. We know that masks work.
- Continue to socially distance.
- All of our guidance still requires venues to maintain 6 feet of distance between guests or groups to reduce the spread of the virus.
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