Statewide capacity, distance restrictions end as businesses prep for holiday weekend crowds

Most of Minnesota’s remaining statewide COVID-19 restrictions end Friday.

The change includes an end to all capacity and social distancing limits at both indoor and outdoor businesses and entertainment venues.

Minnesota businesses starting to drop pandemic-related precautions

That includes places like Xcel Energy Center.

"I feel very confident, I was just thinking about this so the Wild win the game Friday, it’s going to be a full house in the next round so that’s all out there, but I feel confident about it," Gov. Tim Walz said.

Capacity limits also end Friday on Metro Transit buses and trains, but masks are still required.

Metro Transit: Capacity limits on buses, light rail end Friday

Individual cities and businesses can still set their own restrictions.

Jorge Robertson, manager of The Gnome Craft Pub in St. Paul, said he’s grateful for what the lifting of restrictions means for his staff.

"A lot of the people are able to go back to work, provide for their families and I think that’s the biggest relief of all," he said.

Robertson said staff will continue wearing masks, just to take extra precautions.

Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, Robertson said he’s grateful they can once again be fully open as a place for families to gather.

"Family members and long-time friends … are seeing each other for the first time in over a year and just to be able to a be a part of that creates new memories and new legacies and it’s great to be a part of that," Robertson said.