What MN’s ‘Dialing Back’ of Restrictions Means for You
Yesterday Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced a 'dialing back' of Minnesota's coronavirus restrictions in an effort to slow the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the state.
In the past two days, Minnesota has reported consecutive daily death records, with 67 on Wednesday and 72 yesterday. Minnesota hospitals are at the risk of exceeding ICU capacity, and running short of virus-free healthcare workers.
According to the state's COVID-19 website, here's exactly already in place, and what's changing beginning tomorrow night.
Social Settings
Changes begin November 20 at 11:59 p.m.
Do not gather with people from other households.
No indoor or outdoor gatherings, except with immediate household members.
No person from outside your immediate household should enter your home.
Critical Businesses
Open (must telework if you can, must have a COVID-19 preparedness plan by June 29, 2020)
Non-Critical Businesses (non-customer facing)
Open (must telework if you can, must have COVID-19 preparedness plan)
Retail
Open (must have COVID-19 preparedness plan)
Restaurants & Bars
Changes begin November 20 at 11:59 p.m.
Closed to public. Except for delivery and takeout.
Up to five customers at a time may be inside the establishment to pick up orders.
Personal Services (salons, tattoos, barbershops)
Capacity: 6 feet of distance, max 50% -- see guidance for additional details
Appointments: Required
Gyms, Personal Fitness & Yoga Studios, Martial Arts
Changes begin November 20 at 11:59 p.m.
Closed to public.
Indoor Events & Entertainment
Changes begin November 20 at 11:59 p.m.
Closed to public.
Outdoor Events & Entertainment
Changes begin November 20 at 11:59 p.m.
Closed to public.
School Buildings
All public and private schools will follow the Safe Learning Plan.
Child Care
Open per CDC guidance
Youth Programming
Open per MDH guidance and CDC guidance
Youth programs will continue to operate as long as the primary purpose is child care, not sports instruction or competition.
Organized Sports (Adult & Youth)
Changes begin November 20 at 11:59 p.m.
Closed.
Outdoor Recreation Activities & Facilities
Changes begin November 20 at 11:59 p.m.
Open per DNR's Outdoor Recreation Guidelines. All indoor facilities at outdoor recreation sites will be closed. Gathering outdoors is allowed with immediate household members ONLY.
Places of Worship, Religious Services, Weddings, & Funerals
Changes begin November 20 at 11:59 p.m.
Open with guidance.
Strong recommendation for virtual services ONLY.
Weddings, funerals, and other similar planned ceremonies can be held with the current rules in place, but all receptions and gatherings connected to these ceremonies must be canceled or postponed.
Reception Spaces for Celebrations or Private Parties
Changes begin November 20 at 11:59 p.m.
Closed.
Campgrounds & Charter Boats
Changes begin November 20 at 11:59 p.m.
Open with guidance
Gathering is allowed with immediate household members ONLY.
Large Public Gatherings Over 250 People
Closed.
Pools & Swim Parks
Changes begin November 20 at 11:59 p.m.
Closed.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present an unprecedented and rapidly evolving challenge to our State. Minnesota has taken extraordinary steps to prevent and respond to the pandemic, but our case numbers statewide have continued to rise and our hospitals are reaching capacity. The data demonstrate that we’re facing a long winter ahead––but together we can make an impact. While the present moment is challenging, we can begin to imagine the day a safe and effective vaccine becomes available.
Whether or not you agree with the Governor's order, the bottom line is that it's up to each of us as how the pandemic plays out in Minnesota moving forward. Support our area businesses and each other. Stay healthy and positive. Remember that this will eventually be a thing of the past.