Governor to Set Timeline For Ending Minnesota COVID Restrictions

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ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov Tim Walz plans to announce a timeline on Thursday for lifting all COVID-19 restrictions in Minnesota while doubling down on the state’s vaccination push.

Walz will announce his plan in a live address at noon, followed by a news conference.

“The vaccine is here, and it has proven to be our best tool to control the virus. It’s time to roll up our sleeves, get vaccinated, and crush the virus,” Walz spokesman Teddy Tschann said in a statement Wednesday.

Walz has not given details of his plan but said Tuesday that “Minnesotans should start assuming that they’re going to have a very normal-looking summer.”

The governor and health officials announced earlier Wednesday that 2 million Minnesotans have now completed the vaccination process.

“Every Minnesotan who gets a shot in their arm brings us closer to closing this chapter and getting back to all the things in life we want to get back to,” Walz said in a statement.

More than 4.4 million doses have been administered in Minnesota, with about 59% of the population 16 years and older have received at least one dose, and nearly 46% completing the series.

Major Milestones From Beginning of COVID-19 Pandemic in Olmsted County, Minnesota

News and information about the virus were slowly making their way through Minnesota and the Rochester area during late February 2020. Mayo Clinic became aware of the virus in January because of a partnership it had with a Chinese firm. This gave Mayo a head start in developing its own test for the virus which it knew would be needed for its patients.

Scroll through the gallery to see the significant milestones from the first two months of the pandemic in Olmsted County, Minnesota.