Eight days ago, Governor Walz "turned back the dials" to counter the growing spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota. At that time, new restrictions were announced and prohibited all bars and restaurants from serving food or drinks to customers after 10 PM except for takeout and delivery.

The Governor will address Minnesotans this evening at 6:00 PM and is expected to turn back the dial again with stricter restrictions on restaurants, bars, and fitness centers. According to bizjournals.com,  Blois Olson from Fluence Media and MPR's Brian Bakst have both reported: "that food and drink establishments will be limited to takeout-only for four weeks, while gyms and fitness centers will be ordered closed for the same period."

KSTP says the Governor's office said: "hair salons will not be impacted" by today's announcement "nor will dental offices, elective surgeries or retail."

Meanwhile, Mayo Clinic in Rochester says they are adding beds to its ICU to meet the demand for inpatient care for COVID patients. Dr. Amy Williams, the Chair of the Mayo Clinic practice in the Midwest says Mayo is anticipating rising hospitalization rates for the next three to four weeks. The Mayo Clinic in Rochester currently has 32 COVID-19 patients being treated in intensive care units and is adding 12 to 13 ICU beds to meet the expected demand in the coming weeks.

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