Minn. Governor Tim Walz on Wednesday announced some changes to his emergency order a month ago dealing with COVID-19 in the state.
Walz said that kids being in school is an important public health priority. The governor updated the Safe Learning Plan so that starting on January 18, every elementary school across the state may choose to operate in an in-person learning model as long as they are able to implement additional mitigation strategies, which include providing and requiring staff to wear a face shield and mask and offering regular testing.
Other changes in the order signed Wednesday include:
Youth sports can start practice on Jan. 4. Additional guidance regarding practices and games will be forthcoming
Bars, restaurants, and breweries will remain closed for indoor dining,
Indoor gatherings should be limited to one other household with up to 10 people. Masking and social distancing are still strongly encouraged.
Gyms and fitness studios may open at 25 percent of capacity with a maximum of 100 people. Masks and physical distancing of 12 feet must be conducted.
Also Wednesday, Walz signed into law $216 million in direct support for small businesses and workers affected by the pandemic and extended unemployment benefits for 3 weeks.
