On May 6, 2021, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced a 3-step plan and timeline to end nearly all COVID-19 restrictions in the state by May 28.
Step 1 of the plan begins at 12pm on Friday, May 7:
- Removes the capacity limits for outdoor dining, events, and other gatherings. Ends the mask requirement for outdoor events except for outdoor large events with over 500 people.
- Eliminates the state-established mandatory closing time for bars, restaurants, and food and beverage service at other places of public accommodation.
Step 2 of the plan begins on Friday, May 28:
- No new safety requirements for businesses. Businesses must maintain their plans to keep employees and customers safe, guided by a minimal universal state guidance document.
- Removes the remaining capacity limits and distancing requirements for indoor events and gatherings.
- Mask requirement still in effect for indoor events and outdoor large events with over 500 people.
Step 3 of the plan begins once 70% of Minnesotans ages 16 and older (3,087,404 Minnesotans) have received at least one dose of the vaccine, but no later than July 1:
- Remaining mask requirements will end.
- Remaining requirement for preparedness plans end.
With Step 3 of the plan, work on vaccine distribution will continue and local jurisdictions and entities may set their own mask policies extending beyond July 1. The Safe Learning Plan for schools will remain in effect until the end of the school year to protect all students and staff. Additional protections will remain in place including the eviction moratorium, ban on price gouging, and eligibility exemptions for people who receive state services.
As of May 3, more than 2.6 million Minnesotans have gotten at least one dose of the vaccine and the state is on track to reach a 70% vaccination rate by the end of June.
Virtus Law, PLLC continues to monitor changes in this area and will continue to post relevant updates to this website.