Restaurants/Bars/Food Courts To Stop In-Person Service Beginning 11:59 P.M. Friday; Youth & Adult Sports Take a Pause; New Event, Entertainment & Social Gathering Restrictions
At a press conference this evening, Governor Walz announced many changes he said are designed to address the alarming number of COVID cases in Minnesota and concerns over healthcare capacity.
The Governor is ordering restaurants and bars to be closed for in-person service (both indoor and outdoor) for four weeks until December 18 beginning this Friday at 11:59 p.m. Establishments may remain open for takeout. Food courts in malls will also be closed for in-person service for four weeks. Food courts may remain open for takeout, but the food cannot be consumed at the mall.
Other measures announced this evening:
· Social gatherings will be limited to your own household (both indoor and outdoor) beginning Friday at 11:59 p.m.
· Gyms, fitness centers and similar establishments will be closed for four weeks beginning Friday at 11:59 p.m.
· Entertainment venues and indoor/outdoor seated venues will be closed for four weeks, including bowling alleys, movie theaters, indoor ice rinks, live performance venues, public pools, and swim parks beginning Friday at 11:59 p.m.
· Organized youth and adult sports will be pausing for four weeks. College and professional sports may continue without spectators beginning Friday at 11:59 p.m.
· Indoor recreation facilities will be closed for four weeks beginning Friday at 11:59 p.m.
· Events such as celebrations, receptions and private parties will be paused for four weeks beginning Friday at 11:59 p.m. Religious ceremonies and services may continue.
The Governor also is recommending and discouraging out of state travel, including asking out of state visitors and traveling Minnesotans to quarantine for 14 days.
The following remain open and unchanged:
· General retail open at 100% with COVID precautions including social distancing.
· Churches and worship centers remain open at 50% capacity.
· Salons and other personal care services remain open at 50% capacity.
· Outdoor recreation such as skating and skiing remain open.
· Schools continue to operate under the Safe Learning Plan at the discretion of local school districts.
· Child care providers can remain open.
· Colleges and universities continue to operate under guidance from the State.
No additional state funding for impacted businesses was announced today. Governor Walz has made an appeal to Congress for immediate funding for all the states.
