Wednesday, new COVID-19 restrictions were announced to help slow the spread of the virus in Minnesota. As you no doubt know the number of positive cases, hospitalizations and deaths in Minnesota have been growing at an alarming rate. As a result, Minnesota has implemented a four-week plan that will work to keep us safe and hopefully prevent another complete shutdown of the state.
The new restrictions go into effect at 11:59pm on Friday, November 20, 2020 through December 18, 2020.
The biggest impact with these restrictions is in regards to social settings. Under the new restrictions no indoor or outdoor gatherings, except with immediate household members. No person from outside your immediate household should enter your home.
The new guidelines also restrict bars and restaurants to takeout and deliver only. Theaters and gyms must close, although retail stores can remain open and follow COVID-19 guidelines.
Organized sports for youth and adults are on hold. Collegiate athletics and professional sports can continue but with new spectator limitations.
Places of worship and child care can stay open with proper precautions in place.
Another major restriction with this order is that weddings, funerals and other similar celebrations can be held with the current rules in place, but all receptions and gatherings connected to these ceremonies must be canceled or postponed.
Schools will continue to operate under the current guidelines.
Even with these new restrictions in place we will still likely continue to see high numbers of new cases each day for a while as we are seeing results of actions taken up to a couple weeks ago. But if things go according to plan, we should see the results of these restrictions start to show up within a couple more weeks.
It has been HIGHLY encouraged that people wear face masks and maintain social distancing measures, staying home as much as possible.
With new vaccines on the horizon, we can remain optimistic and stay safe and healthy. We will get past this slight setback together knowing that we WILL get through this.
More information can be found on the Minnesota official website: https://mn.gov/covid19/for-minnesotans/stay-safe-mn/stay-safe-plan.jsp