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Dear Neighbors,
I hope this email finds you well. This week in our nation's Capitol we witnessed shocking disrespect to our institutions. We must decide moving forward that dangerous rhetoric by elected officials will not be tolerated. We must find ways to work together and to understand those we may not necessarily agree with politically. Now is the time for common ground and unity.
Understandably lost in the news this week was the Governor's decision to loosen restrictions on restaurants, bars, other businesses. I am proud to have helped work with many businesses from our community and the Governor's Office to find a safe path forward.
Beginning Monday, January 11, new public health guidelines take effect, which loosen restrictions on important parts of daily life. This comes as tens of thousands of Minnesotans have received their first dose of the vaccine, COVID-19 cases are down, hospital bed use is declining, and kids are heading back to the classroom. Recognizing our progress – but understanding we need to remain cautious – the Governor is adjusting the dials and opening more activities and sectors of the economy.
Starting Jan. 11, 2021:
- Indoor dining at bars and restaurants can open at 50% capacity, with a maximum of 150 people. Parties of no more than six people must remain 6 feet from other parties; bar seating is open to parties of two; reservations are required; and establishments must close dine-in service by 10 p.m.
- Gym capacity remains capped at 25% but maximum capacity increases to 150 and classes can increase to 25 people, assuming distancing can be observed. Machines and people must maintain 9 feet of distance. Face coverings are required.
- Outdoor events and entertainment continue at 25% capacity, but maximum capacity increases to 250 people. Social distancing is required.
- Indoor events and entertainment like bowling alleys, movie theaters, and museums may open at 25%, with no more than 150 people in each area of the venue. Face coverings are required, and they may not offer food service after 10 p.m.
- Youth and adult organized sports have resumed practice as of Jan. 4 and games resume Jan. 14 with spectators, following the appropriate capacity limits for indoor or outdoor venues. Inter-region tournaments and out of state play are discouraged.
- Pools opened on Jan. 4 for some activity and may now open at 25% capacity.
- Wedding receptions and other private parties may resume with limits. If food and drink are served at the event, then they are limited to two households or 10 people indoors and three households or 15 people outdoors. If there is no food or drink, they are covered by event venue guidelines. Any related ceremony – like a wedding or funeral ceremony – is guided by rules for ceremonies and places of worship.
- Places of worship remain open at 50% capacity but without an overall maximum capacity.
Learn more at Minnesota's Stay Safe Plan: Adjusting the Dials and Stay Safe MN.
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