COVID-19 restrictions have been further loosened in Minnesota, and more dial backs are expected next month that will allow sports fans back into stadiums. 
 
 It comes as more than 20% of the state’s population has received at least one vaccine dose. 
 
 Meanwhile, a group of over 11,000 medical professionals including physicians, residents, and students… is reminding Minnesotans that we still have a long way to go in the pandemic.
 
 The Minnesota Medical Association, or MMA, sent out a release not long after Gov. Tim Walz announced the loosening of restrictions on restaurants, bars, gyms and social gatherings. 
 
 In it, the MMA says it eagerly looks forward to the day when the virus no longer dominates daily life.. And that the governor’s loosening of restrictions is a step in that direction. 
 
 The statement continues as follows, quote: “However, we still have a long way to go -- nearly 80 percent of our fellow Minnesotans still need to be vaccinated. The virus variants that have been found in the state and across the country demand caution and have the potential to slow and even reverse our progress.” Unquote. 
 
 The MN Medical Association concludes by saying that it recognizes how tired everyone, including healthcare workers, is of the pandemic. But people still need to get the vaccine shot and continue to follow the latest health guidance to help slow the spread of the virus. 
 
 That includes face masks, social distancing and washing hands frequently.