The Governor announced yesterday that restaurants can open back up on Monday, January 11, 2021 after six long weeks. Yay! Following are the other changes the Governor made:
Bars and restaurants: Bars and restaurants can serve customers indoors at half capacity — as determined by the fire marshall — on Monday if they follow rules on the number of people at tables and the distance between patrons. The businesses will have a maximum capacity of 150 people, and can’t serve parties larger than six people at tables or two people at bar seating. Reservations are required for customers and bars and restaurants have to close in-house service by 10 p.m.
Gyms and fitness centers: A 25 % capacity limit remains for gyms and health clubs, though the maximum number of people allowed inside the business will be increased from 100 to 150 and the number of people in exercise classes is bumped up to 25 people — as long as physical distancing is followed. People, and exercise machines, have to be 9 feet apart and masks are still required while exercising. Walz’s most recent order required 12 feet of distance between people and machines.
Small wedding and funeral receptions: The state says people can hold small wedding receptions and other private parties beginning on Monday. Any such event where food and drinks are served can only include people from two households or 10 people indoors and three households or 15 people outside. But if there isn’t food or drinks, they must follow guidelines for indoor and outdoor events. Weddings, funerals or similar ceremonies will follow rules on religious services.
Indoor entertainment and events: Places like movie theaters and museums can open at 25 percent capacity starting Monday, though they also have a maximum limit of 150 people in “each area of the venue,” according to a news release from the governor’s office. Those establishments can’t offer food after 10 p.m.
Religious services can host more people: Churches, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship will continue to have rules limiting attendance to 50 percent capacity, though restrictions that set a maximum capacity of 250 people are being removed starting Monday.
Maximum capacity at outdoor events: Maximum capacity at outdoor events and entertainment businesses such as racetracks and performance venues will be increased from 100 people to 250 people starting Monday, as long as physical distancing is maintained. Venues can still only operate at 25 percent capacity, however.
Spectators allowed at organized sports: Sports leagues for kids and adults were allowed to start practices with some limitations Jan. 4 and can resume games on Jan. 14 with spectators. Sports arenas have to follow rules on indoor and outdoor venues, meaning indoor buildings can open at 25 percent capacity with a total limit of 150 people in a space. Mask requirements for athletes remain.
