Governor’s office outlines plan to relax certain indoor dining, entertainment restrictions

Gov. Tim Walz announced plans to relax certain restrictions in Minnesota amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

The rollback will affect bars, restaurants, movie theaters, bowling alleys and other establishments.

Sources told KSTP’s Tom Hauser the relaxed restrictions will take effect at 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

According to the governor’s office, there will be no change to social gathering limits currently in place.

Bars and restaurants will be able to operate at 50% capacity indoors, capped at 150 people, according to the governor’s office. There will be six people allowed per table and those tables will be required to be six feet apart. Bar seating will also be allowed, but only pairs will be allowed and must be spaced six feet apart. Reservations will be required and indoor service will not be allowed during a 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. window.

Meanwhile, gyms will be able to operate at 25% capacity indoors, also capped at 150 people, the governor’s office said. Those exercising must maintain nine feet of distance from others and fitness classes will be limited to 25 people at a time. All will be required to wear masks. Pools are to open for the limited purpose of lap swim, lessons, and organized sports activities.

Indoor entertainment—including bowling alleys, movie theaters, and museums—and events will be permitted, at 25% capacity and capped at 150 people, the governor’s office said. Masks will be required and if food is served, guidelines must match those followed by bars and restaurants.

Outdoor entertainment and events will be allowed to take place at 25% capacity, capped at 250 people, according to the governor’s office said. Social distancing will be required.

In terms of youth and adult sports, practices began Jan. 4 and games are set to begin Jan. 14 with spectators expected to follow indoor venue guidelines. Sporting events will be limited to 250 spectators for outdoor sports, and 150 for indoor events. Masks will be required. The governor’s office reported inter-region tournaments and out-of-state play are discouraged.

The numerical cap, which was previously set at 250 people, is expected to be lifted, for religious services. Places of worship remain open at 50% capacity now, according to the governor’s office, but without that overall maximum numerical capacity.

Additionally, the governor’s office states wedding receptions and other private parties may resume with limits. If food and drink are served at the event, then the event is limited to two households or 10 people indoors, and three households or 15 people outdoors. If food or drink is not served, then those events are covered by event venue guidelines. Any related ceremony, such as a wedding or funeral ceremony, is guided by rules for ceremonies and places of worship, according to the governor’s office.

Read the new executive order here.