Advice and help with building history capacity.
The Minnesota Historical Society’s Local History Services helps Minnesotans preserve and share their history. This blog is a resource of best practices on the wide variety of museum, preservation, conservation, funding, and non-profit management topics. We’re here to help.
Important Changes in Minnesota COVID Guidelines Affect Museums
EDIT: Shortly after this post was publsihed the State of Minnesota issued updated guidelines and a new Executive Order. Check out the new blog post with updated information here.
It’s been quite an experience for Minnesota’s local history community as executive orders have placed significant restrictions on businesses and nonprofits in order to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first week of May, Governor Tim Walz announced more dialing back of the restrictions with a path towards the end of many requirements.
Stay Safe MN announced a three-step plan to wind down the restrictions for indoor events and entertainment, which is how museums are classified in the state’s recommendations.
Step One (Began on May 7)
- Museums are required to have a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan.
- Venues may open at 50% capacity, but must limit space between individual parties to six feet or more.
- Limits on outdoor activities with less than 500 people are lifted.
- Screening of employees is still required.
Step Two (Beginning May 28)
- State requirements for physical distancing expire.
- Face coverings are still required indoors and outdoors events larger than 500 people.
- Screening of employees is still required.
Step Three (Beginning July 1 or when the statewide vaccination rate reaches 70%)
- The indoor face covering mandate expires.
- No additional information or clarification at this time if a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan will be required.
- Cities, counties, school districts, and businesses may impose additional requirements. This may be expected to happen as the pandemic is not over with.
Additional Resources: