Coronavirus: Here Are Minnesota's Current Restrictions

MINNESOTA — As Minnesota's coronavirus vaccination rates continue to rise while cases drop or plateau, the state government is loosening restrictions on in-person social gatherings and businesses.

Gov. Tim Walz's office said that "Minnesotans can begin safely gathering with more friends and loved ones, supporting Minnesota’s small businesses, and visiting large venues."

Here are changes that went into effect March 15:

— Social gatherings: Up to 50 people outdoors or 15 people for indoor gatherings, both without household limits.

— Youth sports: Pod size increasing to 50 for outdoor activities.

— Religious services: Remove occupancy limit, but social distancing required.

— Celebrations: Follow venue guidance.

— Entertainment venues: Increasing allowable occupancy to 50%, up from 25%, both indoors and outdoors, with a limit of 250.

— Gyms/fitness centers/pools: Increasing allowable occupancy to 50%, up from 25%. Outdoor classes can increase to 50 people.

— Salons/barbers: Removing the occupancy limit, but social distancing required.

— Bars and restaurants: Increasing allowable occupancy to 75%, up from 50%, with a limit of 250 people. The limits apply separately indoors and outdoors. Bar seating increases to parties of 4.

— Seated outdoor venues can add an additional 25% of their capacity over 500, with a limit of 10,000 people.

— Non-seated outdoor venues can add an additional 15% of their capacity over 500, with a limit of 10,000 people.

— Seated indoor venues can add an additional 15% of their capacity over 500, with a limit of 3,000 people.

— Non-seated indoor venues can add an additional 10% of their capacity over 500, with a limit of 1,500 people.

Starting April 15, work from home will no longer be required for employers that are able, but it will continue to be strongly recommended. Walz's office said that employers should continue to accommodate employees who wish to work from home.

"There are more good days now than bad days," said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan in a statement.

"Our adjustments today reflect the hope we have that we are on the cusp of putting the pandemic behind us. While we continue to keep a close eye on the spread of variants, these are common sense steps to get us back to doing the things we missed most. All of us have the responsibility to one another to do what we can to protect the gains we’ve made and ensure we can come out on the other side of this pandemic as quickly as possible."

0 Coronavirus Deaths Reported In Minnesota Monday

It's the first day since April 13 that the state added no new deaths to its overall death toll. Read more.