Credit: Gov. Tim Walz, Facebook
Gov. Tim Walz has announced its most sweeping relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions to date, which will allow for larger gatherings, restaurant capacities, and up to 10,000 people at sporting events, including the Minnesota Twins.
Unless noted for a separate bullet point, all changes will take effect on Monday, March 15, noon. The changes:
- Social gatherings: Up to 50 people outdoors or 15 people for indoor gatherings, both without any household restrictions.
- Youth sports: Pod size up to 50 for outdoor activities.
- Religious services: Eliminate occupancy limit, but social distance is required.
- Celebrations: Follow the location guidelines.
- Bars and restaurants: Increase of the permitted occupancy to 75%, instead of 50%, with a limit of 250 people. The limits apply separately inside and outside. Seating at the bar increases to groups of 4.
- Salons / hairdressers: Abolition of the occupation limit, but social distance necessary.
- Gyms / fitness centers / swimming pools: Increase allowable occupancy from 25% to 50%. Outdoor lessons can be up to 50 people.
- Entertainment venues: Increase the allowed occupancy to 50%, up from 25%, both indoors and outdoors, with a limit of 250.
- Sitting outside locations can add an additional 25% of their capacity to more than 500, with a limit of 10,000 people.
- Sitting outside locations can add an additional 15% of their capacity to over 500, with a limit of 10,000 people.
- Seating inside can add an additional 15% of their capacity above 500, with a limit of 3,000 people.
- Non-seated indoor locations can add another 10% of their capacity above 500, with a limit of 1,500 people.
Walz also announced that from April 15, if possible, working from home will no longer be necessary, although it is still highly recommended.
“All employers should continue to accommodate employees who want to work from home,” the press said.
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“This twist on the dial is possible thanks to all the hard work that so many minnesotans have put in,” said Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm in a press release.
“At the same time, it is important not to let go of our vigilance before we have finished the job. COVID-19 is still circulating in our communities and we are seeing the new variants more often. We need to continue with preventive measures such as masking, socializing, staying home when they are sick and getting tested when necessary. Those basic tools – along with the safe and effective vaccines – will help us end this pandemic and move into the brighter days ahead. “
The rollback of restrictions comes as Minnesota and the rest of the US make rapid progress on vaccines. President Joe Biden announced on Thursday that the country’s intention is to ensure that every adult is eligible for the vaccine by May 1.
In Minnesota, more than 642,000 people have completed the two-dose vaccine series, while more than 1.1 million Minnesota have received at least one dose.
This is a story in progress.