To start off the new year, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed Executive Order 21-01 (Protecting Recent Progress and Cautiously Resuming Certain Activities) on January 6, 2021, easing some of the current restrictions imposed under Executive Order 20-103 Extending and Modifying Executive Order 20-99 and continuing the state’s efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Beginning January 10, 2021, at 11:59 p.m., the following changes to the current restrictions are effective:

• Restaurants and bars are permitted to open for indoor and outdoor dining at 50% capacity, up to 150 people maximum, provided all establishments must close between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. Reservations are required, and parties must maintain social distancing of six feet between other parties. Bar seating also is permitted, provided it is limited to parties of two.

• Gyms and fitness studios remain open at 25% capacity, but maximum capacity limits have increased from 100 individuals to 150 individuals and class sizes are permitted to increase to 25 people, so long as distancing can be observed. Physical distancing of at least nine feet must be maintained between machines and individuals. Masks are still required at all times.

• Indoor events and entertainment may open at 25% capacity, subject to a maximum of 150 people with no food service permitted after 10:00 p.m. Social distancing must be maintained, and masks are required.

• Outdoor events and entertainment may open at 25% capacity, subject to a maximum of 250 people with no food service permitted after 10:00 p.m. Social distancing must be maintained.

Despite these changes, the new order still requires employees who can work from home to continue to do so.