The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present an unprecedented and rapidly evolving challenge to our State. Minnesota has taken extraordinary steps to prevent and respond to the pandemic, but our case numbers statewide have continued to rise and our hospitals are reaching capacity. The data demonstrates that we’re facing a long winter ahead––but together we can make an impact. While the present moment is challenging, we can begin to imagine the day a safe and effective vaccine becomes available.
Dial Back, Minnesota is a temporary pause of most social activities, in-person dining, sports, and indoor fitness activity. This four-week pause will be in place between November 20, 2020, through December 18, 2020. While some businesses can continue to offer goods and services in a safe manner, many others will again have to weather the challenge of adjusting their operations to “to-go” or virtual means. We hope these temporary changes will reduce the number of infections while safely supporting our schools, hospitals, and economy.
Another important development is that our testing options have expanded greatly. There is now a range of accessible choices available, all with quick and reliable results. Minnesota remains dedicated to providing no-barrier access to testing to everyone who needs it, at zero cost. As we continue to experience a growing demand for testing, we urge you to follow recommendations on who needs to be tested and when, and to make appointments ahead of time when you can.
We all must continue to do our part. Wearing a mask is simple; nearly everyone can do it. When paired with other steps, like social distancing, washing your hands, testing often, and by following the guidance closely, we can stay safe and slow the spread.
How to protect yourself and others
Tips for wearing masks or face coverings
Wearing a mask or face covering helps protect others in case you’re infected but don’t have symptoms. It is still important to keep 6 feet between people when you are out and to stay home when you are sick.
- Wash your hands before putting on your mask and after taking it off.
- Cover your nose and mouth and try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face.
- Keep the mask on your face the whole time you are out. Don’t put the mask around your neck or on your forehead.
- Children younger than 2 years or anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unable to remove the mask without assistance should not wear a mask.
- Wash your mask after each time you wear it.
- Don’t buy or wear surgical or N95 masks. Health care workers need to use these types of masks.
Get more information about masks from the Minnesota Department of Health.
Minnesota COVID-19 Dials
How we move to the next phase
Moving to the next phase of reopening will require these measures to have their desired effect. We also need people to do the simple things that we know are effective—wear a mask, socially-distance, and get tested. As we have throughout the pandemic, the Walz Administration will continue to follow the science and data while balancing public health, the economy, and well-being of Minnesotans.
What could move us back
We will closely monitor infection data and may move back to a previous phase if there is a sustained rise in the infection positivity rate, a sustained increase in hospital admissions, a reduction of hospital capacity, or a significant outbreak.
