Governor Walz Friday further rolled back coronavirus restrictions in Minnesota bars, restaurants, and gyms following reported declines in the state’s COVID-19 hospitalizations and positivity rates.
Among the new restrictions, increasing the number of people allowed inside restaurants to 250, while leaving the maximum capacity at 50 percent.
“Our small businesses have made enormous sacrifices for the health of their employees and communities,” said Walz. “Today, we can make these cautious, common sense adjustments to support them because of the progress we have made controlling the spread of COVID-19 and getting the most at-risk Minnesotans vaccinated.”
The executive order takes effect Saturday, Feb. 13 at noon.
Here are all the steps outlined in the governor’s latest dial-back:
· Increasing the “not to exceed” capacity in restaurants to 250, while leaving the maximum capacity at 50 percent
· Increasing indoor entertainment “not to exceed” capacity to 250, while leaving the maximum capacity at 25 percent
· Increasing private events and celebrations “not to exceed” capacity to 50, while leaving the maximum capacity at 25
· Increasing gym and pool “not to exceed” capacity to 250, while leaving maximum capacity at 25 percent, and reducing distancing requirement to 6 feet.
· Allowing restaurants to stay open until 11 p.m.
One tavern owner is encouraged by the move, but still would rather see more done for small-business owners.
"The 250 capacity and an 11pm close is a good start, but we need more help after being restricted for so long, said Joe Berg, owner of the Pourhouse in downtown Minneapolis.
“We are happy that we will get to keep employees for another hour,” Berg said. “But with the $300 UI benefit running out, we are still worried about our employees being taken care of.”