Governor Walz timeline to end State COVID-19 restrictions: https://mn.gov/governor/news/#/detail/appId/1/id/480351
- The three-step process will end nearly all state COVID-19 restrictions by May 28, and end the statewide masking requirement by July 1 at the latest.
- Step one takes place at noon on May 7. It includes initial steps to relax some restrictions, primarily in outdoor settings.
- Removes limits for outdoor dining, events, and other get-togethers, and ends the mask requirement outdoors except at large venues with over 500 people.
- Eliminates the state-established mandatory closing time for bars, restaurants, and food and beverage service at other places of public accommodation.
- The second step begins on May 28. Remaining capacity and distancing limits will come to an end, including for indoor events and gatherings. The requirements that will remain include:
- Face coverings indoors and for outdoor events that exceed 500 people.
- There will be no new safety requirements for businesses, though they must maintain their plans to keep their employees and customers safe – as they have from the beginning of the pandemic – guided only by a minimal universal state guidance document.
- The third step takes place once 70 percent of Minnesotans age 16 years and older – 3,087,404 Minnesotans – get at least one dose of the vaccine, but no later than July 1.
- The remaining face covering requirement and the requirement for preparedness plans will end. Work on vaccines will continue, and local jurisdictions and entities may set their own mask policies.
Executive Order 21-21: https://mn.gov/governor/assets/2021_05_06_EO-21-21_tcm1055-480353.pdf
Guidance for funerals: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/safefaith.pdf
- These requirements apply to services and ceremonies connected to faith-based gatherings, weddings, and funerals.
- Venues that host a reception, luncheon, gathering, or other similar activity before or after a service or ceremony must follow the applicable Stay Safe Guidance for Entertainment and Meeting Venues (https://staysafe.mn.gov/industry-guidance/entertainment.jsp). When indoors, these gatherings may have occupancy limits and additional requirements to minimize spread of COVID-19.
- Social distancing is required indoors.
- Limit indoor occupancy to allow for 6 feet of distance between people from different households or groups at all times. Implement and maintain social distancing between households or groups in all indoor settings.
- Members of the same household (regardless of household size) are not required to maintain social distance from members of their household.
- Attendees or visitors may also choose to attend a ceremony with a group of a maximum of 10 people (which may include members of different households) and are not required to maintain social distance from members of their group.
- Staff and workers are required to stay home if they have COVID-19 symptoms or have tested positive. Visit If You Are Sick: COVID-19 (www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/sick.html) for more information. Staff or workers who have been exposed to COVID-19 should follow the Quarantine Guidance for COVID-19 (www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/quarguide.pdf).
- Music is an integral part of many faith-based services, weddings, and funerals. Singing and instrumental music produced by woodwind or brass instruments are higher-risk activities for COVID-19 spread due to the aggressive expelling of respiratory droplets. If choosing to provide live music of any kind, follow the requirements (and consider the recommendations) for Music Activities and Performances During COVID-19 (www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/musicguide.pdf).
- Live music performances are allowed but, when indoors, performers must maintain physical distancing of 6 feet between other performers and 12 feet from the audience.
- Congregational singing may occur if all participants wear face coverings while indoors.
Guidance for Indoor Venues (reception, luncheon, gathering, or other similar activity): https://dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/COVID_19_preparedness_plan_requirements_indoor_venues.pdf
- Indoor Seated Venues: The below requirements establish maximum occupancy in a “seated venue” only, and such venues must effectively implement the requirements set forth in the “Seating and Assignment” section below. Occupancy for indoor seated venues cannot exceed the maximum number of persons as determined by the following:
- Less than 500 persons: If the rated occupant capacity of an entire indoor seated venue is 500 persons or less, then the occupancy for an indoor seated venue cannot exceed 50% of the rated occupant capacity or 250 people at any time, whichever is less.
- Social Distancing Must Be Maintained Indoors: Under all circumstances indoors, if the allowable number of patrons creates congregation, congestion and bottlenecking that does not allow for proper social distancing and consistency with these requirements, the venue must further reduce the number of patrons it allows to a level that achieves consistency with these requirements.
- Communication of Capacity: Venues must ensure the maximum number of patrons allowed within the venue (as determined by the above requirements) is expressly stated in the written COVID-19 Preparedness Plan for the venue. The COVID-19 Preparedness Plan must also include all rated occupant capacities, social distancing calculations, and other factors used to derive the capacity used by the venue.
- Patrons within indoor venues must take food and beverages back to their individually assigned seating areas or areas designated for the consumption of food and beverages. When indoors, patrons may only consume food and beverages while seated in their individually assigned seating area or designated areas.
Preparedness Plan Template/Instructions: https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/COVID_19_business_plan_template.pdf