Minnesota to Remove COVID-19 Restrictions, Mask Mandate by July 1

(KNSI) – Minnesota will roll back some COVID-19 restrictions starting at noon Friday as part of a three-phase plan by Gov. Tim Walz to end virtually all of the state’s restrictions by July 1st.

The announcement comes a day after Minnesota marked 2 million residents who have completed the COVID-19 vaccine series. More than 2.6 million residents age 16 and older (59 percent of that age group’s population) have received at least one dose of the vaccine so far. Walz cites the state’s progress in vaccinating people against COVID-19 as a key part in rolling back Minnesota’s COVID-preventive measures.

“Our nation-leading vaccination effort has put us in a strong position to safely transition toward life as we used to know it,” said Walz. “The pandemic is not over and we have work to do. But from the State Fairgrounds, to doctor’s offices, to retrofitted Metro Transit buses that deliver vaccines where they’re most needed, Minnesotans now have more opportunities than ever to get the vaccine when and where they want to. As cases recede, more people get vaccinated every day, and vaccines are readily available to all who want it, we can now confidently and safely set out our path back to normal.”

The first changes go into effect at noon on Friday, May 7th:

End of the mask mandate for outdoor settings except at large venues with more than 500 people
Removes limits for events, outdoor dining and other get-togethers
Removes the mandatory closing time for bars and restaurants
Indoor table size at restaurants increases to 10 patrons

On May 28, the “remaining capacity and distancing limits will come to an end, including for indoor events and gatherings,” according to Walz’s office. Face coverings will still be required for all indoor situations, and the face mask requirement will continue for outdoor events with more than 500 people. While there will be no new requirements for COVID safety in workplaces, businesses “must maintain their plans to keep their employees and customers safe.”

The third and final step will happen no later than July 1st, but could come earlier once 70 percent of Minnesota’s eligible population is vaccinated with at least one dose.

“The remaining face covering requirement and the requirement for preparedness plans will end. Work on vaccines will continue, and local jurisdictions and entities may set their own mask policies,” the announcement reads.

Policies that will remain include the Safe Learning Plan for schools, as children age 15 and younger are not yet able to receive any COVID-19 vaccine. The eviction moratorium, price gouging ban and some eligibility exemptions for state services will continue.

Businesses and local jurisdictions can continue face mask requirements and other preventative measures after the state lifts its mask mandate.

“Minnesotans made today’s announcement possible through their hard work and perseverance,” said Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm. “This is a day for us to celebrate the progress, while also recognizing the work that remains to be done. So long as the virus remains a threat to people anywhere it is a threat to people everywhere. That means we need to be watchful and keep up the good work that got us to this point. If you are eligible for a vaccine and haven’t received one yet, now is a great time to get one. Your decision helps protect your family, your community, and all Minnesotans.”

Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka responded to the announcement: “My reaction today is simple: Not good enough and not soon enough. The emergency is over and the mandates need to end . . . This announcement won’t allow for kids to finish the year with normal graduations and celebrations like prom, or allow normal participation in sports and activities. It’s too late for many to find summer camps and plan vacations in-state. Outdoor spaces are still limited by distancing despite all the evidence that the outdoors is safe. A ‘normal’ summer is still a long way off. The Governor continues to lead alone, ignoring our suggestions and the suggestions of the businesses and medical community to find any compromise- especially on the mask mandate. This does not make our job at the Capitol to pass a balanced budget without raising taxes, and on time, any easier.”

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