We have reason for optimism! Vaccine availability is expanding, hospitalizations are down, and COVID-19 cases are lower than they’ve been in a long time. The sun is rising on the pandemic even as Minnesotans have gotten back to important parts of daily life.
But we need to be cautious as well. We should continue to take measures to combat the spread of the virus in our communities – wear a mask, keep groups small and distanced, and wash your hands. Get tested if you feel it’s appropriate. Download the COVIDawareMN smartphone app to get notified if you’ve been exposed to someone who tests positive. And get a vaccine if you are eligible.
Governor Walz has announced new measures that will go into effect on February 13, 2021 at noon. These measures further loosen restrictions on important parts of daily life, but cautiously, because none of what we have done to slow down the virus can stop.
How to Stay Safe in Social Settings
Social Gatherings
How to stay safe at social gatherings.
Food Safety & Dining at Restaurants
How to stay safe while visiting restaurants and bars.
Shopping
How to stay safe while shopping at retail establishments.
Industry Guidance Library
Minnesota Stay Safe Status
Always follow these safety practices
| Setting | Guidance Overview | ||||
| Social Settings |
Two households may gather indoors, 10 people max.
Three households may gather outdoors, 15 people max. Masks are strongly encouraged and social distancing must be maintained. |
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| Critical Businesses |
Open (must telework if you can, must have a COVID-19 preparedness plan)
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| Non-critical Businesses (non-customer facing) |
Open (must telework if you can, must have COVID-19 preparedness plan)
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| Retail |
Open (must have COVID-19 preparedness plan)
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| Restaurants and Bars |
Bars and restaurants are open:
Indoor dining: 50% capacity, 250 people max. Outdoor dining: 50% capacity, 250 people max. Parties of no more than six people must remain six feet from other parties; bar seating is open to parties of two; establishments must close for on-site dining between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. All patrons must be seated. |
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| Personal services (salons, tattoos, barbershops) |
Capacity: 6 feet of distance, max 50% -- see guidance for additional details
Appointments: Required Review additional guidance. |
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| Gyms, personal fitness and yoga studios, martial arts |
Gym capacity remains capped at 25% but maximum capacity increases to 250.
Machines and people should maintain 6 feet of distance. Classes increase to 25 people, assuming distancing can be observed. Everyone must be masked. |
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| Indoor events and entertainment |
Open at 25% capacity, no more than 250 people.
Masks required. No food service after 11 p.m. |
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| Outdoor events and entertainment |
Open at 25% capacity, no more than 250 people.
Social distancing is required. No food service after 11 p.m. Strong recommendation for masks, but not required. |
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| School Buildings |
All public and private schools will follow the Safe Learning Plan.
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| Child Care |
Open per CDC guidance
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| 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. |
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| Organized Sports (Adult and Youth) |
Practices and games open with limited spectators according to appropriate venue capacity restrictions.
For indoor games, spectators are limited according to indoor venue guidance (25% capacity, up to 250). For outdoor games, limits follow outdoor entertainment guidance (25% capacity, up to 250). Inter-region tournaments and out of state play are discouraged. See COVID-19 Sports Practice Guidance for Youth and Adults. Masks are required for all, at both practices and games. |
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| Outdoor Recreation Activities and Facilities |
Open per DNR's Outdoor Recreation Guidelines
Three households may gather outdoors, 15 people max. Guided and instructional activities may now include more than one guide or instructor. |
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| Places of Worship, religious services, weddings, and funerals |
Open with guidance.
Strong recommendation for virtual services ONLY. Places of worship remain open at 50% capacity but without an overall maximum capacity. 6 feet of social distance must be maintained No food or drink except when essential to perform a ritual or service (e.g., Communion) Congregational singing is permitted as long as congregants are masked |
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| Reception spaces for celebrations or private parties |
Wedding receptions and other private parties may resume with limits.
If food and drink are served then, they are limited at 25% capacity, max 50 people. If there is no food or drink, indoor event venue guidelines apply. |
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| Campgrounds and charter boats |
Open with guidance
Three households may gather outdoors, 15 people max. |
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| Pools and swim parks |
Open at 25% capacity, max 250 people, and 6 feet of social distancing is required.
See COVID-19 Public Pools under Executive Order 20-104.
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