COVID Information
We will continue to provide updates as they become available. Thank you for helping us in our efforts to keep our community safe and healthy.
LATEST UPDATES:
State 3 step plan for removal of Covid Restrictions
Press release, Governor Walz, May 6, 2021.
On Thursday, May 6th, Governor Walz announced a 3 step timeline to end most of Minnesota’s COVID-19 restrictions, including the statewide masking requirement.
Starting today Friday May 7th, capacity limits for outdoor dining, events, and other get-togethers and mandatory closing times for bars and restaurants will be eliminated. Individuals will also no longer be required to wear masks outdoors, unless they are at a venue with more than 500 people. On May 28th, remaining capacity and distancing limits – including those for indoor events and gatherings will expire.
The mask requirement will end once 70% of Minnesotans who are 16 or older get at least one dose of the vaccine, or on July 1. (Local governments and businesses may still require masks and other precautions after that date.) You can find more information about the governor’s plan to end COVID-19 restrictions HERE, and the full Executive order HERE.
As COVID-19 Situation Improves, Governor Walz Loosens Restrictions
Press release, January 6, 2021 Governor Walz Office: Today, COVID-19 is spreading more slowly across Minnesota than two months ago. Recognizing our progress – but understanding we need to remain cautious – the Governor is adjusting the dials and opening more activities and sectors of the economy. Starting January 11:
- Indoor dining at bars and restaurants can open at 50 percent capacity, with a maximum of 150 people. 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 dine-in service by 10 p.m.
- Gym capacity remains capped at 25 percent but maximum capacity increases to 150 and classes can increase to 25 people, assuming distancing can be observed. Machines and people must maintain 9 feet of distance. Face coverings are required.
- Outdoor events and entertainment continue at 25 percent capacity, but maximum capacity increases to 250 people. Social distancing is required.
- Indoor events and entertainment – like bowling alleys, movie theaters, and museums – may open at 25 percent, with no more than 150 people in each area of the venue. Face coverings are required, and they may not offer food service after 10 p.m.
- Youth and adult organized sports have resumed practice as of January 4 and games resume January 14 with spectators, following the appropriate capacity limits for indoor or outdoor venues. Inter-region tournaments and out of state play are discouraged.
- Pools opened on January 4 for some activity and may now open, like gyms, at 25 percent capacity.
- Wedding receptions and other private parties may resume with limits. If food and drink are served at the event, 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 event venue guidelines. Any related ceremony – like a wedding or funeral ceremony – is guided by rules for ceremonies and places of worship.
- Places of worship remain open at 50% capacity but without an overall maximum capacity.
The full press release is HERE.
Effective December 17th - January 10, 2021
On December 17, 2020, Governor Walz signed Executive order 20-103, extending and modifying Executive Order 20-99. Effective December 18th at 11:59 p.m. through January 10, 2021, indoor gatherings of 2 households up to 10 people, and outdoor gatherings of 3 households up to 15 people are now allowed. Also permitted to reopen are fitness centers and outdoor dining at restaurants. Effective January 4th, approval has been given to resume adult, youth and after school group activities. Covid safety protocol and capacity restrictions remain in effect for these areas. Refer to the full Executive Order here.
New Restrictions for 4 week period beginning November 21, 2020
Governor Walz implements new restrictions effective November 21st - December 18th
November 18, 2020 - Per Executive orders 20-99 issued by Governor Walz, new restrictions will be in place for a 4 week period beginning Saturday November 21, 2020 through Friday, December 18th. These restrictions direct that all restaurants and bars are carry out only, with no indoor dining. Fitness centers, entertainment venues and all youth and adult sports are to halt operations during this period. The full executive order is below.
COVID Positivity Rate Increased in Ramsey County
November 9, 2020 — Ramsey County currently has a COVID positivity rate of greater than 5%.
This rate reflects the number of COVID-19 tests that were positive over the total number of tests performed in your county during the most recent 14-day period prior to a one week lag period to assure data completeness. Having a positivity rate above 5% means the spread of the virus in your county has reached a concerning level.
Higher rates of virus transmission in the community increase the risk for all members of your community, including residents and staff in long-term care (LTC) facilities. As cases continue to rise, the residents and staff in these facilities are at serious risk even as they take aggressive action to limit infections.