ST. PAUL, MN (MNN) – Minnesota bars and restaurants will be able to re-open to outside dining starting next month.
On Wednesday, Governor Tim Walz announced a new response strategy that also involves a limited re-opening of campgrounds and hair salons.
Reports say outdoor dining areas will be limited to 50 people at a time and salons will only operate at 25-percent capacity.
“Surprising and really disappointing” says the president of Hospitality Minnesota about the decision to allow only outdoor seating at restaurants and bars to re-open June 1st.
Liz Rammer says many Greater Minnesota establishments don’t have that option and it could be the final blow for some. “They’re small-town cafes and coffeeshops, and this is gonna be another devastating blow to those folks who were fully anticipating to be able to open their in-restaurant dining by June 1,” she says.
Governor Walz responds, “I understand the frustrations, I understand the desire, but… the science is too strong…. We can’t pretend with 100 thousand dead Americans that this is just going to go away.”
The governor’s order allows salons and barber shops to re-open June 1st with safety precautions including customers and workers wearing masks.
(from Minnesota News Network)
