What's Open/What's Closed Due to COVID

Last week the state announced some targeted changes to stop the spread of COVID-19, including additional social gathering limitations, early closing time for bars and restaurants, and size limitations on celebrations. The goal was to take a targeted step that would limit economic harm and maximize public health gain.

To protect the health of Minnesotans and prevent further crisis, the state is taking additional steps to limit social interactions and stop the spread of COVID-19. As you may have heard, Governor Walz is announcing a four-week “pause” in a variety of social activities and business sectors. From Friday, November 20 at 11:59 p.m. to Friday, December 18 at 11:59 p.m. the following restrictions will be in place:  

• Social gatherings limited to immediate household. 
• Restaurants and bars are dialed back to delivery and takeout only.  NOTE: Customers may go into the restaurant and pick up their food. In addition, if a venue sells food, that establishment may do off sale as well. Example, a bottle of wine, a six pack, anything that is contained.
• Gyms and fitness studios are closed to the public, if virtual classes are possible, they are permitted. No personal trainer sessions.
• All indoor events and entertainment venues, event spaces, and similar establishments are also closed. This includes movie theatres, bowling alleys, theatres, museums, performance halls, etc. 
• All outdoor events and entertainment are closed. This includes race tracks, paintball, go-karts, mini-golf, etc. (unless they offer a “drive-thru” experience). 
• Indoor facilities at all recreation sites are closed.  
• Organized adult and youth sports are paused, including practices. 
• No wedding receptions. The ceremony is fine.
• Food Trucks are ok.

The following settings will remain at the current level of guidance, with no changes: 

• Retail shops will remain open 100%, with social distancing required. 
• Salons, barbershops, and personal services remain at existing restrictions. 
• Childcare and youth programs whose primary goal is childcare remain open. 
• Schools continue to operate under the Safe Learning Plan, which moves between distance, in-person, and hybrid models depending on the severity of the virus at the local level. 
• Places of worship – with appropriate social distancing, masking, and other mitigation measures – remain at the same capacity. 
• Outdoor recreation with members of your household is allowed. In certain activities i.e. skiing, you may go indoors to rent skis, but you will not be able to eat, drink or lounge indoors.  

There’s a lot of detail to these changes, and they can be found in Executive Order 20-99, which you can find posted here. More information, including updated business guidance and FAQ’s will be updated soon.