Gov. Walz details timeline to end Minnesota COVID restrictions The end of statewide restrictions will come in three steps, and Minnesota's mask mandate will end no later than July 1. Author: KARE Staff Updated: 10:19 PM CDT May 6, 2021 ST PAUL, Minn. — Governor Tim Walz on Thursday revealed a three-step timeline for ending nearly all statewide COVID-19 restrictions by May 28, and also set thresholds for scuttling Minnesota's mask mandate by July 1 at the latest. Here are the guidelines set by the Walz administration and state health officials. Step one - noon, May 7: Includes initial steps to relax some restrictions, primarily in outdoor settings.