It has been confirmed that in a press conference at 2pm today that Governor Tim Walz will loosen COVID-19 restrictions here in Minnesota and address indoor dining, according to Bring Me The News.
The new indoor restaurant rules will be:
- Indoor dining at bars and restaurants can open at 50% capacity, with a maximum of 150 people.
- No more than six people can dine/drink together at one time, and they must be six feet from other parties. Bar seating is open to parties of two.
- Reservations are required, and bars/restaurants must close indoor service by 10 p.m.
As for other COVID-19 restrictions they are:
- Gym capacity remains capped at 25% but max capacity rises to 150, and classes can increase to 25 people with social distancing. Machines and people must maintain 9 feet of distance – down from 12 feet – and face masks are still required at all times, including during workouts.
- Outdoor events and entertainment can operate at 25% capacity, but maximum increases to 250 people with social distancing.
- Indoor events and entertainment (bowling alleys, movie theaters, and museums) may open at 25% capacity, with no more than 150 people in each area of the venue. Face masks required, no food service after 10 p.m.
- Youth and adult organized sports have resumed practice as of Jan. 4 and games resume Jan. 14 with spectators, following the appropriate capacity limits for indoor or outdoor venues. Inter-region tournaments and out of state play are discouraged.
- Pools opened on Jan. 4 for some activity and may now open at 25% capacity.
- Wedding receptions and other private parties may resume with limits. If food and drink are served, they're limited to two households or 10 people indoors, or three households/15 people outdoors. If no food or drink, they are covered under event guidelines (outdoor 25% capacity, 250 people max/indoor 25% capacity, 150 people max).
- Places of worship remain open at 50% capacity but without an overall maximum capacity. This includes for weddings and funerals.