Over the course of the pandemic, Gov. Tim Walz issued sweeping executive orders to slow the spread of coronavirus in the state, from business and school closures to a statewide mask mandate required in public indoor spaces and businesses in Minnesota.
Those restrictions were slowly repealed as more Minnesotans became vaccinated against the virus. All restrictions were phased out by May 28 and Walz ended the state's mask mandate on May 14. (This FAQ was updated June 1).
Are these restrictions expected to be lifted permanently or just temporarily?
State officials have said they don't expect to bring back COVID-19 restrictions, especially as more Minnesotans are vaccinated against the virus. But Walz has said his administration is constantly monitoring COVID case numbers and could bring back restrictions if it looks like hospitals could become overwhelmed.
When was the mask mandate lifted?
After the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eased its guidance on masks for fully vaccinated people May 13, Walz signed an executive order the next day to lift Minnesota's statewide mask mandate.
Is there anywhere where are face coverings are still required?
Private businesses and municipalities may continue to require masks.
Face covering requirements will also remain in place in schools, child-care settings, medical facilities, prisons, homeless shelters, on airplanes and public transportation. Masks can be temporarily removed when necessary, such as while eating or when you have to show your face for identification purposes.
What if you're not fully vaccinated yet?
MDH and the CDC are still strongly recommending that anyone who is not fully vaccinated continue to wear face coverings indoors and when around people from other households, as well as outdoors when social distancing isn't possible.
What's the latest on in-classroom instruction for children?
Most schools are now offering some form of in-person learning, but because the youngest Minnesotans are not yet eligible for the vaccine, schools will continue to operate under a a hybrid plan until the end of the school year.
Are workplaces still required to work from home if they're able?
Workplaces are allowed to return to an office setting, but the state requires employers to maintain plans to keep their employees and customers safe.
What are the expected guidelines for Minnesota Twins games?
Beginning June 8, Target Field will operate at up to 80% capacity and will switch to full capacity starting July 5. Guests are strongly encouraged — but not required — to wear face coverings while in the ballpark's outdoor spaces. Masks are still mandated in indoor spaces under an ordinance from the city of Minneapolis.
Proof of vaccination is not required to enter Target Field, but all gates will have a COVID-19 health screening form and guests will be required to respond to health screening questions before they are allowed to enter the ballpark.
What's the latest on the state's eviction moratorium?
Legislators are still working on a plan to phase out the moratorium, but have continued to clash over the timeline to end evictions and eviction notification requirements. The federal moratorium ends June 30. If legislators cannot reach an agreement on the off-ramp the state moratorium remains in place under Walz's emergency powers.
