COVID-19 News: Governor Walz to allow reopening more businesses June 10

On Friday, June 5, Governor Walz announced more businesses would be allowed to reopen further on a limited basis starting Wednesday, June 10. Restaurants, salons, and barbershops have been able to offer limited service since June 1. Takeout, curbside, and delivery services have been permitted throughout the pandemic in Minnesota.

Dine-in restaurants, gymnasiums, and entertainment venues would all be allowed to open their doors to partial capacity if patrons follow social distancing measures and, in some cases, wear masks. Occupancy rates will be limited based on risk, with an overall occupancy maximum of 250 people.

Under Phase III of the Stay Safe MN plan:

• 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.

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.