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    Minnesota's Stay Safe Plan

    Taking the next steps

    After a long, painful year, the sun in brighter than ever and the end of COVID-19 is in sight. Vaccine progress is having an impact, and now 90 percent of school districts are offering some in-person learning, 94 percent of long-term care facilities are open for visitors, and more Minnesotans are back at work as customers return to businesses. 

    Recognizing the progress we have made on vaccines and controlling the spread of COVID, we can take a cautious step to support personal well-being and the business economy by loosening some restrictions.

    This chart outlines Minnesota's updated plan to slow the spread of COVID-19 and save lives while supporting our small businesses.

    Even after getting the COVID-19 vaccine, you should continue to take steps to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 as recommended. 

    Last updated 3/12/2021 9:00 a.m.
    Setting Guidance Overview
    Social Settings
    Beginning March 15, 2021 at 12 p.m.
    Indoor social gatherings are limited to 15 people, outdoor gatherings to 50 people max.
    Social distancing between households must be maintained.

    Fully vaccinated people may be able to gather without masks and social distancing in specific settings. For more information, visit About COVID-19 Vaccine.
    Critical Businesses
    Open (must have COVID-19 preparedness plan)
    Beginning April 15, the requirement to work from home shifts to a strong recommendation. Employers are also strongly encouraged to implement reasonable accommodations for at-risk employees, or employees with one or more members of their household who have underlying medical conditions and are not yet eligible for vaccination.
    Non-critical Businesses (non-customer facing)
    Open (must have COVID-19 preparedness plan)
    Beginning April 15, the requirement to work from home shifts to a strong recommendation. Employers are also strongly encouraged to implement reasonable accommodations for at-risk employees, or employees with one or more members of their household who have underlying medical conditions and are not yet eligible for vaccination.
    Retail
    Open (must have COVID-19 preparedness plan)
    Restaurants and Bars
    Beginning March 15, 2021 at 12 p.m.
    Indoor dining: 75% capacity, 250 people max.
    Outdoor dining: 75% capacity, 250 people max.
    Parties of no more than six people must remain six feet from other parties; bar seating is open to parties of four; establishments must close for on-site dining between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. All patrons must be seated.

    Beginning April 1, restaurants and bars with sufficient normal occupant capacity may exceed 250 people per applicable percentage limits and guidance.
    Personal services (salons, tattoos, barbershops)
    Beginning March 15, 2021 at 12 p.m.
    Open at 100% capacity, but 6 feet of distance must be maintained between parties.
    Gyms, personal fitness and yoga studios, martial arts
    Beginning March 15, 2021 at 12 p.m.
    Gym capacity is capped at 50%, maximum capacity remains at 250.
    Machines and people should maintain 6 feet of distance.
    Indoor classes are limited to 25 people, assuming distancing can be observed. Outdoor classes are limited to 50 people.
    Masks required.

    Beginning April 1, gyms, personal fitness and yoga studios, or martial arts spaces with sufficient normal occupant capacity may exceed 250 people per applicable percentage limits and guidance.

    Use the Venue Occupancy Calculator to calculate reduced capacity of your facility/venue after April 1.
    Indoor events and entertainment
    Beginning March 15, 2021 at 12 p.m.
    Open at 50% capacity, no more than 250 people.
    On April 1, 2021, venues with occupant capacity greater than 500 may increase patron count as follows:

    • For seated indoor venues: the venue may operate with an additional 15% of the occupant capacity above 500, with a maximum capacity not to exceed 3,000 for the entire venue (seated venues must have assigned seating, and patrons must remain seated).
    • For non-seated indoor venues: the venue may operate with an additional 10% of the capacity above 500, with a maximum capacity not to exceed 1,500 for the entire venue.
    • Use the Venue Occupancy Calculator to calculate reduced capacity of your facility/venue after April 1.
    Masks required. No food service between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m.
    Outdoor events and entertainment
    Beginning March 15, 2021 at 12 p.m.
    Open at 50% capacity, no more than 250 people.
    On April 1, 2021, venues with occupant capacity greater than 500 may increase patron count as follows:

    • For seated outdoor venues: the venue may operate with an additional 25% of the occupant capacity above 500, with a maximum capacity not to exceed 10,000 for the entire venue (seated venues must have assigned seating, and patrons must remain seated).
    • For non-seated outdoor venues: the venue may operate with an additional 15% of the capacity above 500, with a maximum capacity not to exceed 10,000 for the entire venue.
    • Use the Venue Occupancy Calculator to calculate reduced capacity of your facility/venue after April 1.
    Social distancing is required.
    No food or beverage service or consumption between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m.
    Masks required.
    School Buildings
    All public and private schools will follow the Safe Learning Plan.
    Child Care
    Open per CDC guidance
    Youth Programming
    Open per MDH guidance and CDC guidance
    Organized Sports (Adult and Youth)
    Practices and games open with limited spectators according to appropriate venue capacity restrictions. See Guidance for Entertainment Venues.

    Tournaments are allowed but discouraged. Out of state play is discouraged. Masks are required for all, at both practices and games.
    See COVID-19 Sports Practice Guidance for Youth and Adults.
    Outdoor Recreation Activities and Facilities
    Beginning March 15, 2021 at 12 p.m.
    Open per DNR's Outdoor Recreation Guidelines
    Up to 50 people may engage in outdoor activities together, with at least 6 feet of separation between households.
    Guided and instructional activities may now include more than one guide or instructor.
    Places of Worship, religious services, weddings, and funerals
    Beginning March 15, 2021 at 12 p.m.
    Open at 100% capacity. Masks required.
    6 feet of social distance must be maintained between households.
    No food or drink except when essential to perform a ritual or service (e.g., Communion), and singing is permitted as long as congregants remain masked.
    Reception spaces for celebrations or private parties
    Beginning March 15, 2021 at 12 p.m.
    These events are now only subject to the entertainment venue capacity limits for the setting where they are held. See entertainment guidance for details.
    Table size is limited to 6 and guests must be seated while eating and drinking.
    These events may not occur between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m.

    Beginning April 1, reception spaces for celebrations or private parties with sufficient normal occupant capacity may exceed 250 people per applicable percentage limits and guidance for the venue. See Guidance for Entertainment and Meeting Venues.
    Campgrounds and charter boats
    Open with guidance.
    Three households may gather outdoors, 15 people max.
    Pools and swim parks
    Beginning March 15, 2021 at 12 p.m.
    Open at 50% capacity, max 250 people, and 6 feet of social distancing is required. See COVID-19 Public Pools under Executive Order 20-104.

    Beginning April 1, pools and swim parks with sufficient normal occupant capacity may exceed 250 people per applicable percentage limits and guidance for the venue, as seen in the indoor and outdoor venue guidance..

    Use the Venue Occupancy Calculator to calculate reduced capacity of your facility/venue after April 1.
     
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