![Insider: Gov. Watching COVID Numbers As Restrictions Loosen](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2020/12/Mavericks-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Insider: Gov. Watching COVID Numbers As Restrictions Loosen
ST. PAUL -- Minnesota has loosened restrictions on businesses like bars, restaurants, movie theaters. So what's next for the restrictions related to COVID-19?
Political insider Blois Olson says the governor is still closely monitoring any post-holiday spike in cases.
We do have a little bit of an uptick in COVID cases. This is the holiday bump. Governor Walz acknowledged that he's hoping it's just a bump and it continues to plateau or goes down. I think that's the thing to watch, if that number rises rapidly we could be back to more restrictions in a week or two.
Olson says measurements on sports will also be closely watched as high school games resume later this week.
Competition starts Thursday. There was a lawsuit late Friday asking to remove the mask requirement for athletes in competition. I would expect that to be one of the buzzed-about topics for the rest of the week.
Starting Monday bars and restaurants can be open to dine-in customers up to 50 percent capacity, but they must close by 10:00 p.m.
The eased restrictions return bars and restaurants about to where they were before Walz imposed a ``pause'' in response to soaring cases in November. They can resume indoor service at 50% capacity but with 10 p.m. curfews and social distancing. Movie theaters, bowling alleys and museums can reopen at 25% capacity. Most venues must limit the number of people inside to no more than 150.
![AM 1240 WJON logo](https://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/11/attachment-wjonam-alexacard-big.jpg?w=100)
10 Moments From 2020 That Don't Feel Real
More From AM 1240 WJON
![I-94 Project Between Monticello and Albertville Starts Soon](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2018/04/Road-Construction.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Buckvold Looking to Lead St. Cloud As Next Mayor](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/04/attachment-thumbnail_20240206-AnneBuckvold-LakeGeorgeStCloud-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Support And Unity: Sherburne County Leaders Condemn Violence In Political Disagreements](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Trump-AssassinationAttempt-GettyImages.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Man’s Body Found After Jumping From Veterans Bridge](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/04/70240401_954648994892156_1160412640535642112_n-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Little Falls Man Hurt After Motorcycle Crash Friday](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/05/Mayo-Ambulance-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![See What Happens When The Sun Goes Down At Sleepover Safari](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-tiger.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Two Hurt in Stearns County Crash Near St. Rosa](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Crash-with-Injuries.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Minnesota, 24 Other States Enter $82 Million Settlement with Abra and CEO Over Licensing Violations](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-rock-staar-NzIV4vOBA7s-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Ben’s, St. John’s Official Higher Ed Partners with MN United](http://townsquare.media/site/70/files/2019/11/soccer_ball_getty_Michael-Regan_Getty24.jpg?w=980&q=75)