Restrictions on some businesses are being lifted in Minnesota today.
Restaurants and bars can open at half capacity.
Gyms and fitness centres can do the same at a quarter of the people they normally see.
Movie theaters, bowling alleys and museums are also allowed to open with restrictions.
Hair salons and barbershops are allowing appointments only.
The state also has a new website – staysafe.mn.gov – that offers support to businesses, organizations and individuals in the reopenings and return to work.
Here’s more on what can open today from the Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Restaurants and bars can reopen for indoor service as long as they have adopted and implemented a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan and ensure a minimum of 6 feet of distance between tables. They must also:
- Limit indoor occupant capacity to no more than 50% up to 250 people
- Do not exceed 250 people in outdoor spaces
- Limit table service to 4 persons, or 6 if part of one family unit
- Require reservations
- Require workers to wear masks at all times and strongly encourage customers to wear masks when not eating or drinking
Gyms, studios and fitness centers can reopen as long as they have adopted and implemented a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan including the following requirements:
- Limit occupant capacity to no more than 25%; not to exceed 250 persons for indoor and outdoor settings each
- Strongly encourage that masks be worn by workers and users
- Establish regular disinfection routine and train staff
- Ensure ≥6 ft of distancing between equipment; greater distancing should be implemented for treadmills and other aerobic activity that encourages high exertion
- Group exercise classes should only be offered if distancing requirements can be maintained and with no person-to-person physical contact
Other seated and recreational entertainment venues, such as movie theaters, bowling alleys and museums can reopen as long as they have adopted and implemented a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan including the following requirements:
- Limit occupant capacity to no more than 25% not to exceed 250 persons
- Ensure social distancing and a minimum of 6 feet between persons
- Strongly encourage masks for workers and customers
Personal care services (such as hair salons, barbershops, tattoo parlors and similar establishments) can continue providing services and increase their capacity to 50%, as long as they:
- Have adopted and implemented a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
- Limit number of clients inside the business at any time to ensure 6 feet of distance between persons except when providing services
- See clients by appointment only; do not allow walk-ins
- Require workers and clients to wear masks at all times (for services where the client cannot wear a mask, the worker should add a face shield in addition to their mask).
