(KNSI) – As coronavirus restrictions on business, gatherings, and entertainment venues begin to ease in Minnesota, health officials are warning we’re not out of the woods yet.
The Governor made the decision citing rising vaccinations and declining COVID-19 cases.
Department of Health Director Jan Malcolm says reopening the state is a calculated risk.
“We know we’re increasing opportunities for interaction which increases risk until all of us are vaccinated and until we’ve really snuffed out this virus.”
Malcolm says the clock is ticking to get people vaccinated.
“It’s just really important that we keep the cases down, even as we are getting more people vaccinated. This is really a race against time. It’s getting people vaccinated before these variants can take hold.”
Several Minnesotans have become sick with variants of the virus over the last couple of months.
Even though Minnesota is dialing back its COVID restrictions, officials still ask everyone to wear masks in public and keep social distancing.
“It’s really up to us, all of us, to keep doing these prevention measures, so we don’t see a lot more cases going into the hospital so we can continue to move forward and turn the dial safely, as we all work hard to get Minnesotans vaccinated just as quickly as possible.”
Nearly 1.2 million Minnesotans and more than 70% of people 65 and older have received at least one coronavirus vaccine shot.
The new restrictions go into effect at 12 p.m. on Monday.
They include Social gatherings of up to 50 people outdoors or 15 people for indoor gatherings, both without household limits.
Youth sports will see Pod sizes increasing to 50 for outdoor activities.
Religious services will have no occupancy limit, but social distancing is still required.
Bars and restaurants will increase allowable occupancy to 75%, up from 50%, with a limit of 250 people.
The limits apply separately indoors and outdoors. Bar seating increases to parties of 4.
Salons/barbers will have no more occupancy limit, but social distancing is required.
Gyms/fitness centers/pools can go up to 50% capacity from 25%. Outdoor classes can increase to 50 people.
Entertainment venues can have 50% capacity, up from 25%, both indoors and outdoors, with a limit of 250.
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