March 15, 2021

Walz Announces Vaccine Expansion

On Tuesday, March 9, 2021, Gov. Walz announced that the state will expand vaccine eligibility, to include an estimated 1.8 million additional Minnesotans. During a press conference, Gov. Walz directed healthcare providers to adjust eligibility requirements, starting last Wednesday, to include Minnesotans with specific underlying health conditions. Among those eligible to receive vaccine beginning this week are individuals with:

• Sickle cell disease;
• Down syndrome;
• Those in cancer treatment or immunocompromised from organ transplant, oxygen-dependent chronic lung and heart conditions (COPD & CHF);
• Targeted essential workers: food processing plant workers;
• Those with rare conditions or disabilities that put them at higher risk of severe illness;
• Minnesotans age 45 years and older with one or more underlying medical conditions identified by the CDC;
• Minnesotans age 16 years and older with two or more underlying medical conditions;
• Minnesotans age 50 years and older in
  multi-generational housing;
• Essential frontline workers: Agricultural, airport staff, additional child care workers not previously eligible, correctional settings, first responders, food production, food retail, food service, judicial system workers, manufacturing, public health workers, public transit, and U.S. Postal Service workers.

Those interested in a vaccine regardless of phase or tier should sign up for the Vaccine Connector for the latest information and updates at: www.vaccineconnector.mn.gov.

Governor Rolls Back COVID-19 Restrictions

On Friday, March 12, 2021, almost exactly one year since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Minnesota, Gov. Walz announced continued easing, or “dialing back,” of social and economic restrictions his administration has implemented to combat COVID-19. Although the state has seen a slight increase in weekly cases and deaths over the past two weeks, Minnesota has experienced a continued downward trend in overall infections. This trend, in combination with increased vaccinations, justifies the loosening of restrictions, according to the governor.

Effective at Noon on Monday, March 15, 2021, the following restrictions will apply:

Gathering with family:

• Social gatherings: Up to 50 people outdoors or 15 people for indoor gatherings, both without household limits;
• Youth sports: Pod size increasing to 50 for outdoor activities;
• Religious services: Remove occupancy limit, but social distancing required;
• Celebrations: Follow venue guidance.

Small Businesses:

• Bars and restaurants: Increasing allowable occupancy to 75%, up from 50%, with a limit of 250 people. The limits apply separately indoors and outdoors. Bar seating increases to parties of 4;
• Salons/barbers: Removing the occupancy limit, but social distancing required;
• Gyms/fitness centers/pools: Increasing allowable occupancy to 50%, up from 25%. Outdoor classes can increase to 50 people;
• Entertainment venues: Increasing allowable occupancy to 50%, up from 25%, both indoors and outdoors, with a limit of 250.

As summer nears, the state will adjust guidelines for large venues. All venues can open at 50% capacity up to 250 people. Venues with normal occupant capacity over 500 can add additional guests, effective April 1:

• Seated outdoor venues can add an additional 25% of their capacity over 500, with a limit of 10,000 people;
• Non-seated outdoor venues can add an additional 15% of their capacity over 500, with a limit of 10,000 people;
• Seated indoor venues can add an additional 15% of their capacity over 500, with a limit of 3,000 people;
• Non-seated indoor venues can add an additional 10% of their capacity over 500, with a limit of 1,500 people.

As more Minnesotans are vaccinated, work from home will no longer be required – but it will continue to be strongly recommended – beginning April 15. All employers should continue to accommodate employees who wish to work from home.