Walz announces new COVID-19 restrictions
Restrictions apply to social settings identified as most significant sources of COVID-19 outbreaks
As hospitals express concern about capacity to treat Minnesotans with COVID-19, Gov. Tim Walz announced new restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the virus in Minnesota.
Beginning Friday, the restrictions will apply to social gatherings, celebrations and receptions, and bars and restaurants, which are three of the most significant sources of COVID-19 outbreaks across the state. The governor also today announced $10 million in funding to support small businesses affected by the pandemic.
“Since the beginning of this pandemic, we’ve asked Minnesotans to make unprecedented sacrifices for the greater good. And they’ve done it. Because when times are tough, Minnesotans pull together,” said Walz. “Each step of the way, we’ve followed the best data available. These targeted, science-based actions will help get the spread of the virus under control so that we can care for those who fall ill, get our kids in the classroom, keep our businesses open, and get back to the activities we love.”
Health officials have analyzed testing results and contact tracing data to understand how the virus is spreading throughout the state. The results show that the virus is being disproportionately spread by younger adults between the ages of 18-35. Because of this, social settings which attract a younger crowd are the most significant sources of COVID-19 spread in the state. More than 70 percent of COVID-19 outbreaks in Minnesota from June to November have a direct link back to weddings, private social gatherings, and late nights at bars and restaurants.
“Most young people are taking great precautions to protect themselves and their community,” the governor continued. “Most bars and restaurants have done a great job responding to the pandemic and keeping their customers and employees safe. But this virus is spreading like wildfire, and every gathering place is now more dangerous than it was a month ago.”
Starting this Friday, all bars and restaurants must end dine-in service between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Indoor capacity will be capped at 150 people, and may not exceed 50 percent of an establishment’s total capacity. Bar counter service will be closed for seating and service in all establishments besides those that only have counter service. In counter-service only establishments, patrons can line up with masks and then return to their table. These restrictions follow research that shows these environments become riskier later in the evening.
Beginning on Friday there will also be a 10-person limit for indoor and outdoor gatherings, and all social gatherings will be limited to members of three households or less.
Capacity limits for receptions related to weddings, funerals, and similar events will be instituted through a phased approach, but will eventually lead to a 25-person cap.
“Minnesota is in a dangerous phase of the pandemic with a dramatic jump in new cases,” said Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm. “We’ve seen in other states how bad things can get when you have this kind of growth, and that’s why it’s critical that we take the right actions now to slow the spread of this disease.”
This announcement comes after a week of record-setting highs in new cases, hospitalizations, and deaths due to COVID-19. Minnesota’s neighboring states (Iowa, North Dakota and Wisconsin) have the highest infection rates in the nation. Minnesota’s case positivity rate is above 10 percent, twice the level at which COVID-19 spread is considered controllable. On Monday (Nov. 9), the governor also announced an expansion in testing across the state to help control the spread of COVID-19.