Updated Worship & Celebrations COVID Guidance

Submitted on: 
Monday, March 15, 2021 - 5:14pm

On Friday, March 12, 2021, Gov. Tim Walz, citing progess on vaccinations in Minnesota, announced changed guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health relating to worship services and celebrations of life events. Here is a summary:

 

Venue/Activity Description

Previous Requirements

Requirements Starting Monday, March 15, 2021 at Noon

Faith Services and Ceremonies

(Including weddings, funerals, and other seated events)
  • 50% Capacity
  • Social Distance of 6 ft. between households
  • Wear face coverings
  
  • Occupancy limit is removed but capacity must be adjusted to allow for Social Distance of 6 ft. between households
  • Wear face coverings

Receptions or Celebrations, Gatherings in venues with or without food and beverages*, indoor or outdoor
  • 25% Capacity up to 250
  • Social Distance of 6 ft. between households.
  • Wear face coverings.
  
  • 50% capacity up to 250 people
  • Limit capacity to allow for Social Distance of 6 ft. between groups of 6 people.
  • Wear face coverings.

*Gatherings in venues with food and beverages

In addition to the capacity, distancing and face covering requirements above:

  • People must be seated when consuming food and beverages.
  • Table size is limited to 6 people from up to 2 households.
  • No food or beverages (except for water) between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m.

In addition to the capacity, distancing and face covering requirements above:

  • People must be seated when consuming food and beverages.
  • Table size is limited to 6 people.
  • No food or beverages (except for water) between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m.

Private social gatherings
  • Indoors: up to 10 people from 2 households
  • Outdoors: up to 15 people from 3 households
  
  • Indoors: 15 people
  • Outdoors: 50 people

The Department of Health also shares:

 

We remain cautious and vigilant to protect the progress we have made in reducing the number of cases and increasing the number of high-risk persons who have been vaccinated. Even as we make these adjustments, it is important that we continue to wear masks, maintain social distancing, wash our hands, and get a test if appropriate.

 

Faith-based Organizations are still required to have and follow a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan that follows the requirements for All Businesses, and those in the Places of Worship Entities found here: https://staysafe.mn.gov/industry-guidance/index.jsp

 

There will no longer be a separate Guidance for Safe Celebrations and Events.

 

Activities that are not a seated, controlled Service or Ceremony will now follow the Entertainment and Meeting Venues Guidance for both Indoor and Outdoor Events found here: https://staysafe.mn.gov/industry-guidance/entertainment.jsp

 

These guidance documents are being updated to reflect the changes of the new Executive Order. Some are complete and posted now, others are being completed and will be posted as soon as possible. Look for the date on the document to make sure you have the current version.