Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Jan. 6 loosened COVID-19 restrictions for Mass and other religious gatherings effective Jan. 11, eliminating the maximum capacity of 250 people.
Since June 10, churches have been allowed gatherings of no more than 250 people, or 50 percent of a space’s maximum seating capacity, whichever is less.
The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and other dioceses in Minnesota have cooperated with the Walz administration’s protocols against spread of the novel coronavirus.
Minnesota Catholic Conference, which represents the bishops on public policy matters, together with several other denominations and churches petitioned the Walz administration to lift the 250-person attendance cap, arguing that faith communities have demonstrated their ability to provide safe gathering spaces for worship and other activities. The conference did not seek removal of the 50 percent capacity limitation, and that restriction remains in place.
In addition, other pandemic precautions remain, including the use of face coverings, maintaining a social distance of 6 feet and frequent hand-washing and sanitation of spaces.
Noting a decline in positive tests for the novel coronavirus, and that hospitals were not under as much strain, Walz also announced that effective Jan. 11 indoor restaurant dining can resume at 50 percent capacity with a maximum of 150 people. Bars can open to parties of six seated at spaced tables and parties of two at bar seating. Venues like bowling alleys, movie theaters and museums can reopen at 25 percent capacity.
Weddings, funerals, prayer meetings, Scripture services and other planned services also were placed at 50 percent capacity without a 250-person cap. At the same time, the Walz administration urged places of worship as much as possible to offer virtual alternatives.
