Governor Tim Walz is expected to announce what the latest turning of the dials means for life during the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota on Thursday.
On Tuesday, Walz said the turning of the dials will depend on vaccinations and the state of the virus.
"Today, we will probably pass 60 percent of Minnesotans who are vaccinated" Walz said outside of Alice Elementary School in Hopkins. "It's pretty much agreed on that when you get close to that 70 percent number, you really are protecting the most vulnerable."
As of Monday, just under 59 percent of Minnesotans had received one COVID-19 vaccine dose. 45.2 percent had received two doses.
Walz also revealed Tuesday that Minnesota can now request more vaccine than originally allowed.
"States that are doing like Minnesota is doing can now request above their allotted amount," Walz said. "We know that the days is close that we have more vaccine than the amount of people who are taking it, but still, people in Minnesota are taking it."
WCCO Radio political insider Blois Olson told Mix Max on Wednesday morning that the timing of Thursday's COVID-related announcements is in-line with pending budget negotiations in St. Paul.
"The timing comes right before the serious budget negotiations begins and if it was still uncertain, I think Gov. Walz would have another factor in budget negotiations," Olson said. "I think he wants to get rid of those factors."
The details of what's next for the state remain unclear, but Olson believes that the state will mostly be open by June, with some mask requirements.
"I think that the details are where people are nervous and one of the places is large venues," said Olson.
On Tuesday Governor Walz said Minnesotans should anticipate having a normal summer.
