Coronavirus Restrictions: What Will Christmas Look Like In MN?

TWIN CITIES, MN — Gov. Tim Walz is set to make an announcement Monday about the statewide coronavirus restrictions and whether they'll be extended. The "four-week pause" that Walz ordered in November will expire on Dec. 18.

The current restrictions include:

• In-person social gatherings with individuals outside your household are prohibited
• Bars and restaurants are dialed back to take-out and delivery service only
• Gyms, fitness studios, entertainment venues, event spaces, and similar establishments will need to close
• Adult and youth sports are paused

Walz has already indicated that, unless there is a dramatic reduction in cases and hospitalizations for the coronavirus in the next few weeks, Minnesotans can expect the state guidance against gatherings to remain unchanged throughout the holiday season.

"I'm not gonna surprise anybody. I believe the restrictions around Thanksgiving is going to be very similar around Christmas," Gov. Tim Walz told reporters at a news conference Nov. 30.

The governor said alternations will be made depending on the data and worked best to slow the spread of the virus.

On Thursday, 3,523 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed, along with 89 deaths.

Hospitals in the Twin Cities metro area are almost at capacity due to the ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases. State health officials warn that once all hospital beds are occupied, patients may be turned away.

Financial relief legislation

Minnesota restaurants, bars, and other businesses impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions are demanding immediate financial relief from the state.

Hospitality Minnesota, Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association, the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild, and the Minnesota Events Coalition are calling for the following measures:

— Target relief to distressed hospitality businesses

— Establish a $200 million emergency grant fund

— DEED no-interest loan program

— Targeted sales tax forgiveness program

— Targeted property tax reductions

— Waive state and local regulatory fees

— Freeze commercial evictions of hospitality tenants

— Temporarily cap third-party delivery fees at 15%

— Create a state tax credit for food donations

Special session Monday

Walz is set to convene a special session of the Minnesota Legislature Monday in order to pass financial relief to small businesses, workers, and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Minnesota's small businesses and workers are bearing a large burden of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to protect their entire community amid restrictions that are saving lives," the governor said.

"I call upon our state legislature to come together and ensure our businesses stay afloat, our workers are supported, and our families can put food on the table."

Read more: Gov. Walz Releases Plan To Help Minnesota Restaurants And Workers