Gov. Walz unveils new virus rules amid case surge

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced new coronavirus restrictions on Wednesday as the virus spreads across his state. The plan will shut down indoor dining at bars and restaurants, close gyms and fitness centers. Bars and restaurants will still be allowed to offer takeout, the governor said in a televised statement on Wednesday evening. Walz said the state is trying to ease the strain on hospitals. He said restrictions would be targeted and based on data.

There were 1,423 new cases per 100,000 people in Minnesota over the past two weeks, putting Minnesota seventh in the country for cases per capita. There were 5,102 cases reported in Minnesota on Wednesday, along with 67 deaths. The state totals stand at more than 242,000 cases and 3,010 confirmed deaths.