Easing restrictions for MN restaurants and gyms

The latest from Governor Walz

Professionals to consult and advise and a moment ago we told you about the easing of restrictions in minnesota going into effect wednesday.

Kimt news 3's isabella basco is showing us how businesses in rochester are reacting.

Isabella... what did you find out?

Live it was just over a week ago when mayor kim norton wrote this letter asking gov.

Tim walz to allow restaurants to open up to a 25 percent capacity.

Today... walz exceeded her expectations: they can open up to 50 percent.

"honestly we really did feel like we were being picked on the entire time.

I mean you can go to a big box store, you don't need a reservation to go to any big box store."

Canadian honker owner joe powers isn't one to mince words.

Initially ?

"* he was angry he could only serve customers outside.

"obviously elated.

Just because now we don't have to worry so much about the weather.

Honestly we have some really hot days coming too and there's a lot of people that can't sit outside."

Northgate health club co?

"* owner dan hoffman is also eager to open his doors.

"a lot of times people drive by and see if we're open, they see the lights on they come to the door, i've had people standing out front, can we come in?

Whoa, wait a minute!

We're really excited to open up."

Mayor kim norton wanted to help business owners like powers and hoffman.

That's why she sent this letter to the governor asking that restaurants be allowed to open at limited capacity.

"we have a lot of unemployed individuals in this community and we have businesses who have rents to pay but no income coming in, i was trying to strike that right balance."

Indoor entertainment like bowling alleys and movie theaters can also open up at 25 percent capacity and places of worship can open up at 50 percent.

Live in rochester ib kimt news 3.

Thanks isabella.

Kimt news 3 reached out to olmsted county public health for a statement.

It says in part: "it is now up to us, residents/ visitors to take personal responsibility to help our businesses, co?

"* workers and others to maintain the safety protocols put in place."