Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is going to address the state at 6 p.m. tonight to discuss further restrictions that are expected to be imposed as the number of new cases and deaths related to COVID-19 continue to skyrocket.

While no official pronouncements have come from the governor’s office yet, the impacted areas are expected to include the following:

* Bars and Restaurants – They are expected to be closed to in-person customers with takeout/delivery the only option for restaurants to remain open. This restriction is expected to last four weeks, but could be extended.

* Fitness Centers and Gyms – They are expected to be closed completely for four weeks.

* Youth Sports – They are expected to be placed on “pause” effective as soon as Saturday. The pause would include the fall sports, such as football, that are currently in their district playoffs, and the start of the winter sports schedule.

* Social Gatherings – All indoor activities, including wedding receptions and post-funeral gatherings are expected to be limited to 10 people or fewer. 

* Other Potential Restrictions – There has been discussion of attempting to ban more than 10 people from three families gathering in a private residence, but this restriction is likely going to be more of a suggestion, since it will be very difficult to enforce.

There had been rumors circulating earlier this week that the state may look to impose further restrictions at some point in an attempt to “flatten the curve” of COVID-19 cases, up to and including a second “stay-at-home” order potentially being put in place. While that option is not off the table of potential measures to attempt to reduce the number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths as well as the strain to local healthcare facilities, at this point Walz hasn’t indicated that a second state shutdown is imminent.