New guidelines released October 8 by the Minnesota Department of Health will now allow restaurants and bars to allow more people to dine inside.
The guidance includes the following specific points:
Limits party size in dining rooms to 10 people.
Limits party size in bar areas to 4 persons.
Requires patrons in all areas to be seated.
The change to parties of 10 or fewer, while continuing to social distance at least six feet between tables, will allow restaurants more flexibility to optimize space as they serve customers.
“We know based on your feedback that with the weather getting colder and the holiday season approaching, this change will provide some new revenue opportunities for restaurants,” said Steve Grove, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (MnDEED).
Grove sent his comments to the Cook County Chamber, who passed them along via email to chamber members.
“Minnesotans have a strong sense of the common good. They know that taking commonsense health and safety steps help to slow the spread of COVID-19, and in turn save lives. This change to allow more people at a table or in a party is based on this strong sense of personal responsibility to our community and, we are confident that Minnesotans – young and old – will do the right thing to keep themselves and others safe.”
“We believe this small change will provide restaurants a needed degree of flexibility without markedly increasing the risk. We’ll continue to partner with our colleagues at the Minnesota Department of Health to monitor the trajectory of the virus in Minnesota and respond accordingly,” said Grove.
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