Dining at Bars and Restaurants Returns to Minnesota on January 11

In a press conference held on January 6, Minnesota’s governor Tim Walz announced that bars and restaurants will once again be allowed to open to in-person dining at a reduced capacity along with other, now familiar restrictions. Dining can resume at 50 percent capacity with tables spaced at least six feet apart and a 10 p.m. curfew. Sitting at an actual bar will also be allowed once more, but groups are limited to two people who must be six feet apart. Tables are limited to six people. Everyone must wear masks inside when not actively eating or drinking.

Citing infection rates and hospitalization that have reduced to “pre-surge” numbers, the governor’s office will also allow other businesses like movie theaters, bowling alleys, and museums to open up. In-person dining had closed again in November when Minnesota cases and infection rates spiked. According to the Star Tribune, Minnesota hospitals reached dangerous capacities on December 1, when 399 people with COVID-19 filled intensive care beds in the state. That number has since declined to 140.

The state has seen at least 5,528 deaths and 427,587 COVID-19 infections in Minnesota, with 67 deaths and 2,346 infections reported on Wednesday.

• Minnesota Restaurants and Bars Pause Dine-In Service Again [ETC]
• Minnesota Restaurants Allowed to Resume Outdoor Dining Just in Time for Deep Winter [ETC]
• Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz loosens restrictions on indoor dining, other venues [STRIB]
• Minnesota Department of Health Situation Update for COVID-19 [MNDH]