Minnesota News and Outreach – January 7, 2021

Minnesota News and Outreach

Safely Adjusting the Dials

Yesterday, Governor Walz announced Executive Order 21-01, which loosens restrictions on important parts of daily life. The announcement comes as tens of thousands of Minnesotans have received their first dose of the vaccine, COVID-19 cases are down, hospital bed use is declining, and kids are heading back to the classroom.

Recognizing our progress – but understanding we need to remain cautious – the Governor is adjusting the dials and opening more activities and sectors of the economy.

Starting Jan. 11, 2021:

• Indoor dining at bars and restaurants can open at 50% capacity, with a maximum of 150 people. Parties of no more than six people must remain 6 feet from other parties; bar seating is open to parties of two; reservations are required; and establishments must close dine-in service by 10 p.m.

• Gym capacity remains capped at 25% but maximum capacity increases to 150 and classes can increase to 25 people, assuming distancing can be observed. Machines and people must maintain 9 feet of distance. Face coverings are required.

• Outdoor events and entertainment continue at 25% capacity, but maximum capacity increases to 250 people. Social distancing is required.

• Indoor events and entertainment like bowling alleys, movie theaters, and museums may open at 25%, with no more than 150 people in each area of the venue. Face coverings are required, and they may not offer food service after 10 p.m.

• Youth and adult organized sports have resumed practice as of Jan. 4 and games resume Jan. 14 with spectators, following the appropriate capacity limits for indoor or outdoor venues. Inter-region tournaments and out of state play are discouraged.

• Pools opened on Jan. 4 for some activity and may now open at 25% capacity.

• Wedding receptions and other private parties may resume with limits. If food and drink are served at the event, then they are limited to two households or 10 people indoors and three households or 15 people outdoors. If there is no food or drink, they are covered by event venue guidelines. Any related ceremony – like a wedding or funeral ceremony – is guided by rules for ceremonies and places of worship.

• Places of worship remain open at 50% capacity but without an overall maximum capacity.

Learn more at Minnesota's Stay Safe Plan: Adjusting the Dials and Stay Safe MN.

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What's New

Sports Practice Guidance

Effective Jan. 4, 2021, practices for organized youth and adult sports may resume. Practices cannot exceed pod sizes of more than 25. Spectators at practices are strongly discouraged; however, up to one parent, guardian, or support person per participant is allowed if necessary due to a participant’s age, disability, or medical condition.

Starting Jan. 14, 2021, games and scrimmages with other teams may begin, with limited spectators according to appropriate venue capacity restrictions. Traveling out of state or to different regions of the state to participate in sports activities is strongly

discouraged.

Face coverings must be worn by everyone at all times, including practices and games, with only a few exceptions.

• COVID-19 Sports Practice and Games Guidance for Youth and Adults (PDF)

• Stay Safe during Athletic Activity and Sports

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National Radon Action Month

Now that the pandemic has forced many people to spend more time in their homes, their potential exposure to household health hazards may be greater. This means it is more important than ever to know if your home has high levels of radon – the invisible radioactive gas found at elevated levels in many Minnesota homes.

Radon is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that occurs naturally in Minnesota soils all over the state. The only way for residents to know if their home has radon is to test. More than 21,000 lung cancer deaths are attributed to radon each year in the United States. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Fortunately, the risk is largely preventable through testing homes and fixing radon problems.

Learn more about radon risks, testing, mitigation, and licensure in Minnesota:

• Radon in Homes

• Radon Testing

• Find a Radon Mitigation Professional

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Updated Guidance and Resources

UPDATED:

• About COVID-19: COVID-19 variants

• Community Testing

• What to Do While You Wait for a COVID-19 Test Result

• What to Do While You Wait for Test Results (11x17) (PDF)

• COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Health Professionals

• Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Advisory Group

• Interim COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Guide (PDF)

• COVID-19 Vaccine: Redistribution and Off-site Vaccination Guide (PDF)

• COVID-19 Vaccine Trainings for Health Professionals

• Face Covering Requirements and Recommendations under Executive Order 20-81 and 20-103

• Frequently Asked Questions About the Requirement to Wear Face Coverings

EXECUTIVE ORDER 21-01 UPDATES:

• COVID-19 Sports and Games Practice Guidance for Youth and Adults (PDF)

• COVID-19 Public Pools under Executive Order 21-01 (PDF)

• Guidance for Vehicle Gatherings, Parades, and Drive-ins (PDF)

• Gathering Requirements for Celebrations and Significant Life Events (PDF)

• COVID-19 Preparedness Plan Requirements for Faith-Based Communities, Places of Worship, Weddings, and Funerals (PDF)

• COVID-19 Preparedness Plan Requirements for Restaurants and Bars (PDF)

• Frequently Asked Questions: Bars, Restaurants, and Other Places of Public Accommodation (PDF)

• COVID-19 Guidance for Hotel Managers and Owners (PDF)

• 2020-2021 Planning Guide for Schools: Health Considerations for Navigating COVID-19 (PDF)

• Guidance for Delivering Direct Student Support Services: Staff Protective Equipment (PDF)

• COVID-19 Prevention Guidance for Youth and Student Programs (PDF)

• COVID-19 Prevention Guidance for Overnight Youth Camps (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.