On Wednesday, Governor Tim Walz announced new rules and restrictions set to go into effect Friday in a renewed effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota.

Those changes include:

Bars and restaurants must close to dine-in service between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.
Indoor capacity at bars and restaurants will be capped at 150 people
Bar counter service will be closed for seating in all venues except those that are counter service only
Bar games that require standing are not permitted
A 10-person limit on indoor and outdoor gatherings. All social gatherings must be limited to members of three households or fewer.

A reduction in capacity limits for gatherings/receptions after weddings, funerals, and similar events to 50 people starting Nov. 27, and then 25 people from Dec. 11. These events may not take place between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.

All current restrictions remain in effect, and religious services are allowed to continue as data has not revealed a connection between gatherings and the recent spike in COVID-19. An updated list of all known Minnesota bars and restaurants linked to confirmed COVID-19 cases also reveals seven new St. Cloud-area establishments. They are:

Applebee's Bar and Grill in St. Cloud - 20 total cases, 11 unique
Granite City Food and Brewery in St. Cloud - 17 total cases, 9 unique
Jimmy's Pour House in Sauk Rapids - 15 total cases, 9 unique
La Casita Mexican Restaurant in Waite Park - 11 total cases, 7 unique
Olive Garden in Waite Park - 13 total cases, 9 unique
Red Lobster in St. Cloud - 13 total cases, 10 unique
Winner's Sports Bar and Grill in Sartell - 11 total cases, 7 unique

These are in addition to three establishments previously linked to COVID-19 cases:

Sal's Bar and Grill in St. Joseph - 23 total, 14 unique (no new cases)
Texas Roadhouse in Waite Park - 12 total, 13 unique (no new cases)
The Pickled Loon in St. Cloud - 117 total, 73 unique (no new cases)

According to Bring Me the News, total cases "refers to cases linked to the establishment, including people who tested positive after visiting more than one venue on a given night" while unique cases "refers to COVID-positive cases from people that report going to only this establishment."