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Governor Walz’s office has released information as the spread of COVID-19 continues to slow, restrictions will loosen starting Monday March 15th.

•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. Social distancing of 6 feet must be maintained between parties.

•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.

•Minnesotans should continue to wear masks.

•Continue to socially distance. All of today’s guidance requires venues to maintain 6 feet of distance between guests to reduce the spread of the virus.

•Our COVID response remains robust. Community testing sites are available at no cost. The COVIDAware App will continue to alert Minnesotans if they have been exposed.

For additional information on these on each industries new guidelines, visit www.staysafe.mn.gov.

With the addition of the new Johnson & Johnson vaccine, more Minnesotans will have access to a vaccine faster than anticipated. You or your industry may already be eligible. A good way to find out is to sign up for the COVID-19 connector by visiting mn.gov/vaccineconnector.This tool will notify you when you’re eligible and provide options to make an appointment.

Another good resource with options to get vaccinated near your work and home is to check on the Dakota County website. By visiting the Dakota County Vaccine page under the COVID-19 resources, you can check your eligibility and make an appointment at sites in Dakota County. Appointments typically open up on Fridays. (Click the Check To See If You’re Eligible to make an appointment) If you have employees that live in Wisconsin they will be able to get the vaccine in MN. You may need to provide a letter for proof of employment if they don’t have a badge