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 March 15, 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
Always stay six feet away from others.
Telework if you can.
Last updated 3/12/2021 9:00 a.m.
| Setting | Guidance Overview | ||||
| Social Settings |
Beginning March 15, 2021 at 12 p.m.
Indoor social gatherings are limited to 15 people, outdoor gatherings to 50 people max. Social distancing between households must be maintained. Fully vaccinated people may be able to gather without masks and social distancing in specific settings. For more information, visit About COVID-19 Vaccine. |
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| Critical Businesses |
Open (must have COVID-19 preparedness plan)
Beginning April 15, the requirement to work from home shifts to a strong recommendation. Employers are also strongly encouraged to implement reasonable accommodations for at-risk employees, or employees with one or more members of their household who have underlying medical conditions and are not yet eligible for vaccination. |
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| Non-critical Businesses (non-customer facing) |
Open (must have COVID-19 preparedness plan)
Beginning April 15, the requirement to work from home shifts to a strong recommendation. Employers are also strongly encouraged to implement reasonable accommodations for at-risk employees, or employees with one or more members of their household who have underlying medical conditions and are not yet eligible for vaccination. |
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| Retail |
Open (must have COVID-19 preparedness plan)
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| Restaurants and Bars |
Beginning March 15, 2021 at 12 p.m.
Indoor dining: 75% capacity, 250 people max. Outdoor dining: 75% 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 four; establishments must close for on-site dining between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. All patrons must be seated. Beginning April 1, restaurants and bars with sufficient normal occupant capacity may exceed 250 people per applicable percentage limits and guidance. |
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| Personal services (salons, tattoos, barbershops) |
Beginning March 15, 2021 at 12 p.m.
Open at 100% capacity, but 6 feet of distance must be maintained between parties. |
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| Gyms, personal fitness and yoga studios, martial arts |
Beginning March 15, 2021 at 12 p.m.
Gym capacity is capped at 50%, maximum capacity remains at 250. Machines and people should maintain 6 feet of distance. Indoor classes are limited to 25 people, assuming distancing can be observed. Outdoor classes are limited to 50 people. Masks required. Beginning April 1, gyms, personal fitness and yoga studios, or martial arts spaces with sufficient normal occupant capacity may exceed 250 people per applicable percentage limits and guidance. Use the Venue Occupancy Calculator to calculate reduced capacity of your facility/venue after April 1. |
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| Indoor events and entertainment |
Beginning March 15, 2021 at 12 p.m.
Open at 50% capacity, no more than 250 people. On April 1, 2021, venues with occupant capacity greater than 500 may increase patron count as follows:
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| Outdoor events and entertainment |
Beginning March 15, 2021 at 12 p.m.
Open at 50% capacity, no more than 250 people. On April 1, 2021, venues with occupant capacity greater than 500 may increase patron count as follows:
No food or beverage service or consumption between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. Masks 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 | |||||
| Organized Sports (Adult and Youth) |
Practices and games open with limited spectators according to appropriate venue capacity restrictions. See Guidance for Entertainment Venues.
Tournaments are allowed but discouraged. Out of state play is discouraged. Masks are required for all, at both practices and games. See COVID-19 Sports Practice Guidance for Youth and Adults. |
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| Outdoor Recreation Activities and Facilities |
Beginning March 15, 2021 at 12 p.m.
Open per DNR's Outdoor Recreation Guidelines Up to 50 people may engage in outdoor activities together, with at least 6 feet of separation between households. 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 |
Beginning March 15, 2021 at 12 p.m.
Open at 100% capacity. Masks required. 6 feet of social distance must be maintained between households. No food or drink except when essential to perform a ritual or service (e.g., Communion), and singing is permitted as long as congregants remain masked. |
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| Reception spaces for celebrations or private parties |
Beginning March 15, 2021 at 12 p.m.
These events are now only subject to the entertainment venue capacity limits for the setting where they are held. See entertainment guidance for details. Table size is limited to 6 and guests must be seated while eating and drinking. These events may not occur between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. Beginning April 1, reception spaces for celebrations or private parties with sufficient normal occupant capacity may exceed 250 people per applicable percentage limits and guidance for the venue. See Guidance for Entertainment and Meeting Venues. |
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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 |
Beginning March 15, 2021 at 12 p.m.
Open at 50% capacity, max 250 people, and 6 feet of social distancing is required. See COVID-19 Public Pools under Executive Order 20-104. Beginning April 1, pools and swim parks with sufficient normal occupant capacity may exceed 250 people per applicable percentage limits and guidance for the venue, as seen in the indoor and outdoor venue guidance.. Use the Venue Occupancy Calculator to calculate reduced capacity of your facility/venue after April 1. |
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