The governor also announced a measure to help hospitality, entertainment and restaurant workers whose jobs will be affected
MPR News Staff
Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday that the state will temporarily close bars, restaurants and other venues that serve dine-in guests — and introduced a measure to help employees of those businesses — in the state’s ongoing effort to curb the spread of the new coronavirus, COVID-19.
The governor’s latest executive order requires bars, restaurants, gyms, coffee shops, bowling alleys,breweries and other venues to close to dine-in guests as of 5 p.m. Tuesday. It extends until Friday, March 27, at 5 p.m. — but Walz said it’s likely that this is just the beginning.
“I don’t see a situation … where there wouldn’t be an extension on these dates,” he said.
The measure allows businesses to continue takeout and delivery services. It does not cover grocery stores, convenience stores or pharmacies, the governor said.