Governor Walz announces gradual re-opening ofindoor dining, gyms, entertainment venues

Governor Tim Walz announced Phase III of the Stay Safe MN plan, including a gradual turn of the dial to allow cautious and safe re-opening of indoor dining, gyms and entertainment venues beginning Wednesday, June 10. Customers and employees will be either strongly recommended or required to wear masks and will be required to adhere to appropriate social distancing measures.

“Thank you, Minnesotans, for the sacrifices you’ve made to slow the spread of COVID-19,” Governor Walz said. “Thanks to your dedication, we are now in a position to carefully turn the dial toward re-opening society.”

Occupancy rates will be limited based on risk, with an overall occupancy maximum of 250 people. All critical businesses are required to develop and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan by June 29, and the Department of Health (MDH), Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), and Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) will publish industry guidance by June 15.

Restaurants can begin offering indoor dining while maintaining social distancing, requiring reservations, and seating no more than 50 percent occupancy.

Indoor social gatherings can take place with 10 people or less; outdoor social gatherings can take place with 25 people or less.

Gyms, personal fitness and yoga studios and martial arts may open at 25 percent capacity.

Indoor entertainment venues, such as theaters and concert halls, can open at 25 percent capacity.

Recreational indoor entertainment venues, such as bowling alleys, arcades, and museums, may open at 25 percent capacity.

Personal services, such as salons, tattoo parlors and barbershops, may increase occupancy rates to 50 percent while requiring reservations.

Outdoor entertainment venues, such as sporting events, concerts and theaters, may open at 25 percent capacity.

Places of worship can increase occupancy rates to 50 percent.

“The goal is to find a proper balance of protections in a way that promotes the best interests of our state,” said MDH Commissioner Jan Malcolm.

“We have asked so much of Minnesota businesses over the past few months, and we recognize what a dire situation many have found themselves in,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “This is another important step on our journey to safely reopening our state to make economic growth possible.”

The Governor also signed an executive order preventing workers from being fired for refusing to work in unsafe conditions.