Gov. Walz: 'Similar Restrictions' Expected For Christmas In MN

TWIN CITIES, MN — 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 Monday. The governor said alternations will be made depending on the data and worked best to slow the spread of the virus.

Walz was optimistic about the upcoming federal and state rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines, but noted it will take some time before a majority of Minnesotans will be vaccinated.

Since Nov. 20, Walz's office has enforced a "four-week pause" on social activities, in-person dining, sports, and gym usage as a way to combat the latest coronavirus spike.

Until Friday, Dec. 18:

• 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

Families across Minnesota Thursday skipped annual Thanksgiving Day celebrations and traditions to avoid spreading the virus. Others continued on like normal.

Record COVID-19 cases, deaths continue

Nearly 380 COVID-19 deaths were recorded in Minnesota between Friday and Sunday, figures from the state Department of Health show. A record 101 deaths were reported on Friday alone.

"Thanksgiving Weekend is a sad time to have to report a new daily record for COVID-19 deaths in Minnesota," Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said in a statement Friday.

From Sunday, Nov. 22 through Saturday, Nov. 29, Minnesota recorded 377 deaths.

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"This is a sad development, but it is not a surprising development. For weeks we have been sounding the alarm about the dramatic growth in COVID-19 cases. We know that more cases leads to more hospitalizations and deaths, and today's news reinforces that tragic pattern."

On Tuesday, the state reported 22 more COVID-19 deaths and 3,570 new cases.