Walz plan to end most COVID restrictions by end of May, mask mandate by July 1 (MN)

KSTP.com ^ | 5/6/2021 | KSTP

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

Thursday, Gov. Tim Walz announced the path to ending COVID-19 restrictions in Minnesota.

Walz's three-stage plan will have most of the state's COVID-19 restrictions lifted by mid-summer. Part of that plan includes ending the statewide mask mandate when 70% of Minnesotans ages 16 and older are vaccinated, or by July 1. The state is currently on track to reach that mark by the end of next month.

Restrictions will start loosening beginning on Friday, May 7, with limits for outdoor dining, events and other get-togethers ending. The mask requirement will also end for outdoor settings under 500 people. Additionally, the mandatory closing time for businesses like bars and restaurants will end.

Then, on May 28, the remaining capacity and distancing limits will end, including for indoor events. Face coverings will still be required for both indoor and outdoor events with more than 500 people.

Finally, the mask mandate and requirements for preparedness plans will end by July 1, or when 70% of Minnesotans 16 and older are vaccinated, whichever comes sooner.

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

The state continues to report double digit deaths daily along with 1500-2000+ new cases. And now Walz decides it's OK to reopen everything by an arbitrary date, when nothing has really changed.

I think someone finally told him that he has a good chance of being a one-term governor if he doesn't cave, and quick.

[lurk]

That’s a slow pace.

These governors do love their power, the way Lois Lane has it for Superman.

[minnesota_bound]

FTA: Face coverings will still be required for both indoor and outdoor events with more than 500 people.

Not 499. The chinese virus is that smart.