Gov. Tim Walz announced an easing of restrictions on restaurants and other venues on Wednesday, which have been closed since late November to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Starting Monday, bars and restaurants can reopen for in-person dining at 50% capacity and with a 10om curfew, according to sources briefed on the governor’s plans. Movie theaters, bowling alleys and museums can also reopen at 25% capacity.
The new order comes as the state is seeing a substantial decline in its COVID-19 cases and the number of patients hospitalized with the virus.
Fitness classes, swimming pools and amateur sports practices resumed on Monday, with capacity and social distancing restrictions in place.
Under the new order, restaurant seating will be limited to six people per table, with social distancing between tables, according to sources. Bar seating will be limited to two people together at a time.