Now as cases skyrocket and hospital capacity is pushed to the brink, the WHO is all of us, the WHEN is all the time, and the WHERE is what we need to focus on NOW. To figure out the WHERE, we need to use what we’ve learned about COVID-19, how it spreads, what situations increase risk, as well as environments where risk reduction is possible with proper precautions.
We need to increase restrictions WHERE the spread of COVID-19 is more likely. We know that the virus spreads in places WHERE people gather for long periods of time, especially when they take off their masks. Gathering with a group of your friends for dinner, seated together and drinking and eating while unmasked is riskier than frequenting a hair salon where you and the stylist are masked, and you’re in and out within 30 minutes.
The following activities will remain open at their capacities, with the same COVID-19 safety precaution guidelines:
- All houses of worship remain open at 50% capacity
- Retail will remain open at 100% capacity
- Beauty salons and personal care service establishments will remain open at 50% capacity
- Outdoor recreation will be open, including outdoor skating, downhill/cross country skiing, hiking, tubing, hunting, fishing, and playgrounds. The indoor facilities related to these activities will be closed.
- Schools will continue to operate under the Safe Learning Plan.
- Childcare and youth programming will remain open under current program guidance.
- Universities and colleges will continue to operate under the Higher Education Guidance.
- Health care settings, nursing homes, elderly care institutions, homeless shelters, and similar settings will continue to operate under their own specialized protective rules.
- Addiction and related social support meetings will continue under their current program guidance.
- Religious ceremonies related to weddings and other milestone celebrations will continue under their current safety guidelines. (See below for guidance on receptions.)
Governor Walz announced a dial back on social activities, entertainment venues, in-person dining, sports, fitness establishments, and out of state travel for four weeks.
- Social activities: We are asking Minnesotans to hit pause on their social lives. No gathering with people outside of your household (indoors AND outdoors). All wedding and other life milestone celebration receptions, private parties, and other social gatherings will pause.
- Entertainment venues: Bowling, dance halls, meeting halls, pool halls, arcades, indoor ice rinks, museums, zoo, festivals, movie theaters, live performance, amphitheaters, raceways, and the like are closed.
- In-person dining: Restaurants and bars will be closed for indoor and outdoor service. Take-out and food, beverage, beer and wine delivery is allowed.
- Sports: All organized youth and adult sports (including association, club, intramural, and school sports) will pause. Collegiate and professional sports will continue, but spectators will not be allowed.
- Fitness Establishments: Gyms, fitness studios, yoga, martial arts, dance, and other similar establishments will be closed.
- Out of State Travel: Travel is highly discouraged. Incoming visitors and Minnesotans that travel out-of-state are asked to quarantine for 14 days upon their arrival in Minnesota.
Minnesota is joining an increasing number of states imposing similar measures, including California, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, and Vermont. These new restrictions will go into place on Friday, November 20 at 11:59pm and last until Friday, December 18. In the near term, we know that the next four weeks will be incredibly hard on many people. For that reason, Governor Walz is calling on the federal government to take immediate action to help our businesses and families make ends meet. If you have questions about unemployment insurance, please visit uimn.org.
For additional guidance on scenarios that may not have been addressed, please visit the Stay Safe website for specifics.
Do you have questions? Call 651-201-3400.
