Minnesota's Stay Safe Plan
Adjusting the Dials
Minnesotans’ sacrifice and commitment to their communities over the holiday season has helped change the pandemic’s trajectory and save lives. By nearly any metric, the pandemic is improving, and the situation in Minnesota is undeniably better than it was last month. We are continuing to see progress. We can be optimistic.
Recognizing this, Governor Walz has announced measures that loosen restrictions on important parts of daily life while urging Minnesotans to protect the progress we’ve made. We need to be cautious. Two months ago the pandemic quickly snowballed from manageable to out-of-control and we cannot allow that to happen again. Even now, we remain concerned about the emergence of a new, more contagious coronavirus variant spreading around the world.
But COVID-19 is spreading more slowly across Minnesota than two months ago, and there is any opportunity to open more activities and sectors of the economy. Everyone should continue to take precautions to combat the spread of the virus in their community – wear a mask, practice social distancing, and gather outside when possible.
This chart outlines Minnesota's updated plan to slow the spread of COVID-19 and save lives.
Always follow these safety practices
| Setting | Guidance Overview | ||||
| Social Settings |
Two households may gather indoors, 10 people max.
Three households may gather outdoors, 15 people max. Masks are strongly encouraged and social distancing must be maintained. |
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| Critical Businesses |
Open (must telework if you can, must have a COVID-19 preparedness plan by June 29, 2020)
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| Non-critical Businesses (non-customer facing) |
Open (must telework if you can, must have COVID-19 preparedness plan)
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| Retail |
Open (must have COVID-19 preparedness plan)
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| Restaurants and Bars |
Changes begin January 10 at 11:59 p.m.
Bars and restaurants can open at 50% capacity, with a maximum of 150 people. Indoor dining: 50% capacity, 150 people max. Outdoor dining: 50% capacity, 150 people max. Parties of no more than six people must remain six feet from other parties; bar seating is open to parties of two; reservations are required; and establishments must close between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. |
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| Personal services (salons, tattoos, barbershops) |
Capacity: 6 feet of distance, max 50% -- see guidance for additional details
Appointments: Required Review additional guidance. |
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| Gyms, personal fitness and yoga studios, martial arts |
Changes begin January 10 at 11:59 p.m.
Gym capacity remains capped at 25% but maximum capacity increases to 150. Machines and people should maintain 9 feet of distance. Classes increase to 25 people, assuming distancing can be observed. Everyone must be masked. |
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| Indoor events and entertainment |
Changes begin January 10 at 11:59 p.m.
Open at 25% capacity, no more than 150 people. Masks required. No food service after 10 p.m. |
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| Outdoor events and entertainment |
Changes begin January 10 at 11:59 p.m.
Open at 25% capacity, no more than 250 people. Social distancing is required. Strong recommendation for masks, but not required. |
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| School Buildings |
All public and private schools will follow the Safe Learning Plan.
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| Child Care |
Open per CDC guidance
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| Youth Programming |
Open per MDH guidance and CDC guidance
Youth programs will continue to operate as long as the primary purpose is child care, not sports instruction or competition. |
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| Organized Sports (Adult and Youth) |
Changes begin January 10 at 11:59 p.m.
Practices open. Games resume January 14 with limited spectators according to appropriate venue capacity restrictions. For indoor games, spectators are limited according to indoor venue guidance (25% capacity, up to 150). For outdoor games, limits follow outdoor entertainment guidance (25% capacity, up to 250). Inter-region tournaments and out of state play are discouraged. See COVID-19 Sports Practice Guidance for Youth and Adults. |
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| Outdoor Recreation Activities and Facilities |
Changes begin January 10 at 11:59 p.m.
Open per DNR's Outdoor Recreation Guidelines Three households may gather outdoors, 15 people max. |
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| Places of Worship, religious services, weddings, and funerals |
Open with guidance.
Strong recommendation for virtual services ONLY. Places of worship remain open at 50% capacity but without an overall maximum capacity. |
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| Reception spaces for celebrations or private parties |
Changes begin January 10 at 11:59 pm.
Wedding receptions and other private parties may resume with limits. If food and drink are served then, they are limited to two households or 10 people indoors and 3 households or 15 people outdoors. If there is no food or drink, they are covered by indoor event venue guidelines. |
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| Campgrounds and charter boats |
Changes begin January 10 at 11:59 p.m.
Open with guidance Three households may gather outdoors, 15 people max. |
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| Pools and swim parks |
Changes begin January 10 at 11:59 p.m.
Open at 25% capacity. See COVID-19 Public Pools under Executive Order 20-104. |
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