Minnesota released this graphic on Wednesday to show businesses and activities to be contacted again as COVID-19 cases increase statewide. (Minnesota Governor’s Office)
(Fox 9) – Governor Tim Falls imposed sweeping new restrictions across Minnesota on Wednesday, shutting bars, restaurants, fitness centers and gyms for four weeks and temporarily halting youth and high school sports as the state grapples to fight COVID-19 and prevent a hospital crisis.
The new restrictions will take effect on Saturday morning.
Minnesota governor imposes new blanket restrictions on coronavirus for four weeks
The new restrictions will last for four weeks and affect institutions and social activities alike.
The governor said that the decision to close some sectors and not others was Based on the Ministry of Health data and the recommendations of scientists.
In a statement, Walz said the state is on a “breaking point”, as hospital beds are filling up and case numbers are rising across the state.
“While these measures mean unbelievable hardship for many, they are the fastest way to restore our economy, keep our children in school, and get back to the activities we love,” Walz said.
The changes come as the Minnesota Department of Health reported a record 67 deaths from COVID-19 Wednesday And 5102 new cases. Minnesota has seen a 153% increase in coronavirus cases over the past two weeks – the third-highest in the country, according to NBC News COVID-19 tracker.
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Under the new restrictions, bars and restaurants to eat inside and outside must be closed for four weeks. However, they will still be permitted to provide take-out service for quay delivery and pickup.
The shutdown comes less than a week after Walz imposed a 10 p.m. curfew on bars and restaurants and limited seating and bar games.
Gyms and fitness centers will also be forced to close from the public for a period of four weeks under the new restrictions.
Walz will also stop youth and sports in high school for the upcoming winter season as well as this fall season.
The governor said on Tuesday that people should expect the high school football season, which started late due to the pandemic, to end before the qualifiers end.
Under new restrictions announced on Wednesday from Minnesota Gov. Tim Falls, all social gatherings are banned as part of a four-week hiatus in response to the climbing statewide COVID-19 cases.
- Gatherings are restricted to members of the same family only, even if there is social distancing.
- It affects both indoor and outdoor pools
- Includes planned or spontaneous events
- Includes private and public gatherings
This is a departure from previous guidelines that set a pool size limit of 10 people.
Why not close the retail stores, salons and barbershops?
Retail stores, salons and barbershops You will not be affected Through the last round of restrictions.
Walz said last week that health officials aren’t seeing a trend in cases associated with these types of institutions. However, health officials are seeing a large number of cases associated with late nights in bars and restaurants, as well as large private gatherings.
Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove recently stated that retailing is “not a concern” for the spread of the virus.
Walz added that transactions in the retail industry are swift, face-to-face and involve wearing masks at all times.
The new restrictions sparked an immediate reaction from lawmakers and business owners who said financial relief would be required until next month.
No specific aid packages were announced until Wednesday afternoon. At a news conference after Wednesday’s announcement, the governor blamed the federal response to the virus to help small businesses, and said it was the legislature, not the executive, that was responsible for the provisions.
He said his office would “accept a reduced stimulus package targeting small employers and workers.”
DEED Commissioner Steve Grove added that the money is available for relief, but that the state will have to borrow from the federal government at this point. “We need Washington to act,” he said.
