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Minnesota Department of Health

November 10, 2020

Minnesota News and Outreach

Executive Order 20-96

Today, Governor Walz issued Executive Order 20-96 (PDF), which tightens restrictions indoor and outdoor private gatherings; celebrations, receptions, and other events; and bars and restaurants.

Social gatherings in private homes:

• Limited to 10 people (indoors or outdoors).
• May involve no more than three households.

Private parties, private celebrations, and receptions for weddings, funerals, birthday parties, reunions, anniversary celebrations, and private parties hosted at venues:

• Effective Nov. 13, these celebrations must end at 10 p.m. and remain closed until 4 a.m. if they serve or permit consumption of food or beverages.

• Private parties will be limited to: 
  • 50 total participants on Nov. 27; and
  • 25 total on Dec. 11

Bars and restaurants:

• Effective Nov. 13, total restaurant capacity will be capped at 150 people, including both inside and outside settings, and it may not exceed 50% of the establishment’s total capacity.
• All bars and restaurants must end dine-in service between 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
• Bar counter service for all establishments will be closed for seating and service. If the establishment uses a “counter-service only” model for ordering food and beverages, it must create a social distance queueing model.
• People must remain seated; no bar games such as darts and pool. If the establishment offers pull tab, it must be offered in a queue that is marked and socially distanced.

Recreational entertainment venues (like movie theaters, bowling alleys, or similar settings), must cease food and beverage services and must not permit food and beverages to be consumed on site between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Materials

We are adding new videos, print materials, and translated documents often. Check out the pages below to view, download, or print these resources.

Materials and Resources for COVID-19 Response Videos for COVID-19 Response

The situation is changing rapidly. Visit Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for the most up-to-date information and follow MDH on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram to stay informed.

What's New

Expanding Statewide Testing

Yesterday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced a significant expansion in COVID-19 testing access across the state over the next two weeks. All of the new testing sites will continue to offer “no barrier” COVID-19 testing at no cost to Minnesotans. 

This expansion in testing includes the opening of 11 sites operated by the Minnesota National Guard that will remain open through at least the end of the year, in partnership with local public health staff. These sites will offer a mix of saliva and nasal swab PCR tests. Locations will be announced later this week. Additionally, the state is opening its 9th saliva testing site on Thursday, Nov. 12 at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. 

Minnesota's COVID-19 positivity rate is climbing higher than ever before. We have entered a dangerous phase of this pandemic, and our testing strategy is key to controlling the spread. Expanding access to COVID-19 testing to all communities across the state is critical to keeping Minnesotans informed and safe.

For more information:

• Governor Walz Announces Significant Expansion in Statewide COVID-19 Testing Access
• Find Testing Locations

Infant Safe Sleep Week

Governor Walz proclaimed Nov. 8-14 Infant Safe Sleep Week in Minnesota. We are marking Infant Safe Sleep Week by encouraging parents to follow safe sleep practices and to be aware of the risks COVID-19. Unsafe sleep environments account for nearly all unexpected infant deaths in Minnesota.

COVID-19 is a respiratory infection. Researchers have found that many infants who died unexpectedly had a recent upper-respiratory infection or cold, which might contribute to breathing problems. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to cause stress and fatigue among many, making it crucial for anyone who takes care of babies, including parents, caregivers, child care providers, health care providers, and family members, to follow safe sleep practices every time an infant sleeps or naps.

Know the ABCs of safe sleep: ALONE: Infants should always sleep or nap alone. BACK: Always put a baby on their back to sleep or nap. CRIB: Babies should always sleep or nap in their own safety-approved crib or play yard without blankets or pillows Read the news release: COVID-19 is a factor to consider during Infant Safe Sleep week

Guidance and Resources

NEW:

• Guidance for Providing Support to Students in Their Homes (PDF)
• Long-term Care COVID-19 Response: November 2020 Update (PDF)

UPDATED:

• Saliva Community Testing Sites
• COVID-19 Recommendations for Critical Infrastructure Businesses and Industries (PDF)
• Interim Guidance for Hotel Managers and Owners (PDF)

EXECUTIVE ORDER 20-96 UPDATES:

• Businesses and Employers: COVID-19
• Community Settings: COVID-19

• Protect Yourself & Others: COVID-19

• Gathering Requirements for Celebrations and Significant Life Events (PDF)
• Guidance for Gatherings: Faith-based Communities, Places of Worship, and Ceremonies (PDF)
• Preparedness Plan Requirements for Faith-Based Communities, Places of Worship, Weddings, and Funerals (PDF)
• Industry Guidance for Safely Reopening: Restaurants and Bars (PDF)
• Industry Guidance for Gyms and Fitness Centers (PDF)
• Frequently Asked Questions: Bars, Restaurants, and Other Places of Public Accommodation (PDF)
• Campus Dining Services Guidance for Higher Education Institutions (PDF)

NOTE: As new Executive Orders and recommendations are issued, we will review and update the guidance and resources on our website accordingly. Look for an "Updated" date below guidance links to know when the resource was last revised.

Minnesota Helpline

For questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic

651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504

Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Minnesota Department of Health  |  health.mn.gov

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