Watch live: Gov. Walz announces 'biggest yet' loosening of restrictions
It was one year and a day ago when the World Health Organization deemed the novel coronavirus a global pandemic, which less than a week later was followed by Gov. Tim Walz announcing the first wave of restrictions to curb the spread of the virus.
Today, Walz dialed back restrictions with sweeping adjustments to his executive orders that will see capacity increases for household gatherings, bars and restaurants, youth sports and large events, including allowing up to 10,000 fans at Twins games.
Walz will formally discuss the changes at an 11 a.m. press conference Friday. You can watch it live in the video player below.
Here are the changes Walz will discuss, with all of them going into effect at 12 p.m. Monday, March 15, unless otherwise noted.
- Social gatherings: Up to 50 people outdoors or 15 people for indoor gatherings, both without household limits.
- Youth sports: Pod size increasing to 50 for outdoor activities.
- Religious services: Remove occupancy limit, but social distancing required.
- Celebrations: Follow venue guidance.
- Bars and restaurants: Increasing allowable occupancy to 75%, up from 50%, with a limit of 250 people. The limits apply separately indoors and outdoors. Bar seating increases to parties of 4.
- Salons/barbers: Removing the occupancy limit, but social distancing required.
- Gyms/fitness centers/pools: Increasing allowable occupancy to 50%, up from 25%. Outdoor classes can increase to 50 people.
- Entertainment venues: Increasing allowable occupancy to 50%, up from 25%, both indoors and outdoors, with a limit of 250.
- Seated outdoor venues can add an additional 25% of their capacity over 500, with a limit of 10,000 people.
- Non-seated outdoor venues can add an additional 15% of their capacity over 500, with a limit of 10,000 people.
- Seated indoor venues can add an additional 15% of their capacity over 500, with a limit of 3,000 people.
- Non-seated indoor venues can add an additional 10% of their capacity over 500, with a limit of 1,500 people.
