Governor Tim Walz is planning to announce Wednesday that he will loosen restrictions on bars and restaurants in Minnesota, following signs of declining COIVID-19 hospitalizations and rising vaccinations.
It’s still unclear whether they will be allowed to reopen at partial or full capacity.
Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said there were “hopeful signs on the COVID front” but the data produced during the holidays was somewhat unreliable and that Minnesotans need to remain on guard against infection with the virus that caused COVID-19.
Minnesota has received 297,350 doses of the vaccines for COVID-19 and officials reported that over 78,000 first doses of the two dose vaccines had been administered to its high priority group of health care workers and residents of long term care facilities.
Vaccinations of the next priority group, including workers in critical industries and people 75 and older, would start in late January or early February.
According to a statement from the governor’s office, the governor’s “loosening of restrictions on indoor dining and other settings” will be announced in a live public address at 2pm on Wednesday.