Dear Neighbors,
I hope this finds you well and staying healthy. As hospitals express concern about capacity to treat Minnesotans with COVID-19, Governor Walz announced today new restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the virus in Minnesota.
In order to make effective decisions to control the spread of COVID-19, we need to understand who, when, and where this virus is spreading:
WHO: This new surge of the virus is particularly impacting young adults. People between 18-35 make up a disproportionate share of new cases.
WHERE: Because of this, social settings which attract a younger crowd are the most significant sources of COVID-19 spread in the state. In fact, over 70 percent of COVID-19 outbreaks in our state from June to November have a direct link back to weddings, private social gatherings, and late nights at bars and restaurants.
WHEN: The data suggests these environments become riskier the later it gets.
That’s why there are targeted steps today that are driven by this data:
First, there will be tightened restrictions on private social gatherings. Starting this Friday, there will be a 10-person limit for outdoor gatherings to match the existing cap on indoor gatherings. And all social gatherings are limited to members of only three households or less, including your own household.
Second, receptions for weddings, funerals, and similar events will have indoor capacity limits. This will be instituted through a phased approach, but will eventually lead to a 25-person cap.
Some events have already been planned, so it is the Governor’s hope that the phased approach gives Minnesotans the time they need to adjust their events.
Additionally, there is a restriction that these events may not take place between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.
Third, there will be changes to the operations of bars and restaurants in Minnesota. Effective this Friday, the maximum capacity will be capped at 150 people, and it may not exceed 50 percent of the establishment’s total capacity.
Bar counter service will be closed for seating and service in all establishments besides those that only have counter service. In counter-service only establishments, patrons can line up (with masks) and then return to their table.
And, all bars and restaurants must end dine-in service between 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Financial Support for Small Businesses
To support small businesses that are struggling as they do their part to combat the spread of COVID-19, Governor Walz also announced today $10 million in Small Business Relief Grants. This funding will support an additional 1,000 businesses that have applied for the grant program. It supplements hundreds of millions of dollars in small business support that Minnesota has allocated since the beginning of the pandemic.
Grants will be allocated to businesses which applied for them via the lottery process this summer and were placed on the wait list. More information will be available on this process very soon and I will keep you posted.
We all have a role to play in slowing the spread to help our hospitals build more capacity so that anyone who needs treatment- not just those with COVID- can get it. Please continue to wear a mask, socially distance at least six feet, wash your hands thoroughly, and stay home if you’re not feeling well. To get tested, find a COVID-19 testing location near you here.
Stay in Touch
Please keep in touch and contact me anytime with questions or if I can be of any assistance at rep.heather.edelson@house.mn.
It’s an honor to serve our Edina community.
Stay well,
Heather Edelson
State Representative