Phase Three of the Governor's plan for reopening Minnesota goes into effect Wednesday

Phase Three of the Governor's plan for reopening Minnesota goes into effect Wednesday.

It allows movie theaters, bowling alleys, gyms and pools to open to the public. Restrictions will also be loosened for bars and restaurants.

According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, restaurants and bars can reopen for indoor service as long as they:  

• Have adopted and implemented a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
• Ensure a minimum of six feet of distance between tables
• Limit indoor occupant capacity to no more than 50% up to 250 persons
• Do not exceed 250 persons in outdoor spaces
• Limit table service to 4 persons, or 6 if part of one family unit
• Require reservations
• Require workers to wear masks at all times and strongly encourage customers to wear masks when not eating or drinking

"It sure is a big day and we're excited to welcome more guests," said Jill Skogheim, president of 5-8 Club Restaurants.

Skogheim showed 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS some of the changes at 5-8 Grill and Bar in Champlin. They placed six-foot markers on the ground to guide social distancing and have a new check-in area where customers will complete a health survey. Some tables will not be in use to keep space between customers and the restaurant's menu will be available by scanning a QR code with a smartphone.

"You'll also have a card that's red or green that you flip over to let your server know if you need him or her to come over to the table," Skogheim said.

Gov. Walz announces limited reopening of restaurants, gyms, entertainment venues to begin June 10

Hope Breakfast Bar in St. Paul is also preparing to welcome guests back inside. They spent thousands of dollars installing plexiglass dividers between tables and putting in new filters for their HVAC system.

Gyms and fitness centers can reopen June 10th as well as long as they:

• Have adopted and implemented a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
• Ensure social distancing (six feet between persons) and limit occupant capacity to no more than 25%; not to exceed 250 persons for indoor and outdoor settings each
• Strongly encourage that masks be worn by workers and users
• Establish regular disinfection routine and train staff
• Ensure ≥6 feet of distancing between equipment; greater distancing should be implemented for treadmills and other aerobic activity that encourages high exertion
• Group exercise classes should only be offered if distancing requirements can be maintained and with no person-to-person physical contact

Pools can reopen to the public but are limited to 50% capacity and the state recommends that everyone wear a mask when they're not in the water.

For more guidelines related to Phase Three of Minnesota's plan, click here