Minnesota to Loosen COVID-19 Restrictions on Social Gatherings, Businesses

(KNSI) – Amid a speedier-than-expected vaccine rollout in Minnesota and across the nation, the state will loosen some of its COVID-19 restrictions at noon Monday.

Gov. Tim Walz announced Friday morning that his latest executive order will adjust capacity limits in certain businesses and raise the ceiling for social gathering capacity.

“The thaw is here, but in Minnesota, we know better than to let our guard down at the first sign of spring,” Walz said. “Keep doing what you need to do to stay safe, and we’ll get through this together.

“We’re not turning to 11,” he continued. “We’re turning the dial up, though, to a point where normalcy is on the horizon.”

The size of outdoor gatherings will increase to 50 people and indoor gatherings to 15. Pod sizes for youth sports will also increase to 50 people. Religious services will no longer be subject to an occupancy limit, but social distancing will still be required.

Bars and restaurants can also open to 75 percent capacity with an overhead limit of 250 people. Occupancy in gyms, pools and entertainment venues increases from 25 percent to 50 percent capacity. Salons and barbershops will no longer have an occupancy limit, though social distancing will still be required.

Capacity requirements for large indoor and outdoor venues will take effect April 1st.

Seated outdoor venues can add an additional 25% of their capacity over 500, with a limit of 10,000 people.
Non-seated outdoor venues can add an additional 15% of their capacity over 500, with a limit of 10,000 people.
Seated indoor venues can add an additional 15% of their capacity over 500, with a limit of 3,000 people.
Non-seated indoor venues can add an additional 10% of their capacity over 500, with a limit of 1,500 people.

These changes clear the way to allow fans in Target Field for the Minnesota Twins’ opener on April 8th and in Allianz Field for Minnesota United’s April 15th opener.

“The Minnesota Twins organization is thrilled that the new state guidelines announced today,” a statement from the organization reads. “Our singular focus remains on the health, safety and well-being of every person that enters Target Field; to that end, we are currently reviewing the new guidance to ensure our comprehensive re-opening plan adheres to all MDH and Minneapolis Health Department directives. We will announce next steps, including our full ballpark protocols and ticket plans, in the very near future.”

Further revisions in the executive order now strongly recommend, rather than require, businesses to have employees work from home when possible.

“Employers will continue to accommodate those employees,” Walz said. “Under the law, you are protected if you are sick or someone in your family is vulnerable, they’ll make arrangements with you.”

Walz added that, for now, state employees will continue to work from home as accommodations are made.

The statewide mask mandate remains in place, and social distancing is required at businesses.

The announcement comes exactly one year after Walz originally declared the peacetime state of emergency in response to the pandemic.

This story was updated at 12:30 p.m. to reflect statements made during a live address by Walz.

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