Dear Neighbors,
Thanks to those of you that attended Friday morning's town hall meeting. It was great to hear your thoughts, questions, and concerns about this year’s legislative session. Stay tuned for additional information for future town halls in the weeks ahead.
Governor Turns the Dials
Good news as Governor Walz announced a significant turning of the COVID-19 dials last Friday.
There is no doubt that the last twelve months have been extremely difficult for millions of Minnesotans and businesses across our state. We’ve seen schools closed, businesses shuttered, and tremendous hardship endured by all of us.
Thankfully, it appears that the pandemic is winding down as case counts continue to drop significantly and vaccines ramp up. In fact, more than 70% of Minnesotans aged 65+ have now received at least the first dose of the vaccine. We’re also near pre-pandemic levels of hospitalizations and ICU admissions.
This is great news!
Stay strong as we enter the final push of this terrible year. There is light at the end of the tunnel!
Below are details on the Governor’s announcement. Unless otherwise noted, the adjustments are effective at noon today, March 15.
- Social gatherings: Up to 50 people outdoors or 15 people for indoor gatherings, both without household limits.
- Youth sports: Pod size increasing to 50 for outdoor activities.
- Religious services: Remove occupancy limit, but social distancing required.
- Celebrations: Follow venue guidance.
- Bars and restaurants: Increasing 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: Removing the occupancy limit, but social distancing required.
- Gyms/fitness centers/pools: Increasing allowable occupancy to 50%, up from 25%. Outdoor classes can increase to 50 people.
- Entertainment venues: Increasing allowable occupancy to 50%, up from 25%, both indoors and outdoors, with a limit of 250.
- As summer nears, the state will adjust guidelines for large venues. All venues can open at 50% capacity up to 250 people. Venues with normal occupant capacity over 500 can add additional guests, effective April 1:
- 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.
As more Minnesotans are vaccinated, work from home will no longer be required – but it will continue to be strongly recommended – beginning April 15. All employers should continue to accommodate employees who wish to work from home.
Staying in Touch
Please do not hesitate to contact me with your ideas and suggestions for the coming session. I can be reached at rep.dave.baker@house.mn or you can call 651-296-6206.
All the best,
Dave