Walz Loosens Capacity Limits for Indoor Entertainment, Restaurants Following Improved COVID-19 Outlook

ST. PAUL (KNSI) – Some small dial turns will go into effect Saturday as Minnesota’s daily COVID-19 cases and test positivity rate continue to decline.

Friday, Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order that increases the maximum capacity at indoor entertainment venues, gyms and pools from 150 people to 250 people, but the overall 25 percent occupancy limit remains in place. Private event and celebration capacity is extended to 50 people.

Restaurants can now stay open until 11 p.m. with an increased maximum capacity of 250 people. The maximum capacity by the restaurant’s occupancy limit remains at 50 percent. Entertainment venues that serve on-site food and beverages must stop that service from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.

“Our small businesses have made enormous sacrifices for the health of their employees and communities,” Walz said. “Today, we can make these cautious, common-sense adjustments to support them because of the progress we have made controlling the spread of COVID-19 and getting the most at-risk Minnesotans vaccinated.”

Executive Order 21-07 leaves several rules in place, such as spacing tables six feet apart indoors and limiting the number of patrons at a table to six or fewer.

“While these measures are not a major dial turn, we know that they will make a difference to thousands of businesses and workers across the state,” said Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove.

The changes take effect Saturday at noon.