COVID-19 restrictions in Minnesota are being further loosened as more than one-fifth of the state’s population has gotten at least one vaccine dose. 
 
 Gov. Tim Walz’s latest dial turn on the restrictions comes during what he calls the “beginning of the end” of the pandemic… and he says Minnesota is in a good place at this point. 
 
 WALZ: Minnesota ranks near the bottom in deaths per 100,000… we rank at the top for getting vaccines out to the people.”
 
 Changes to restrictions include: Restaurants and bars can now increase operations at 75% capacity, gyms at 50% capacity, and there will be no limits for salons and religious services. 
 
 However, social distancing is still required for all establishments. The curfew for restaurants, 11 p.m., also remains the same. 
 
 Other changes include social gatherings being increased to up to 50 people outdoors or 15 people indoors. 
 
 For youth sports, pod size increases to 50 for outdoor activities. Entertainment venues van increase allowable occupancy to 50% both indoors and outdoors, with a limit of 250. 
 
 More changes are coming on April 1, with outdoor venues like Target Field allowed to operate at 25% capacity and up to 10,000 people. More on that in future daily updates. 
 
 President Joe Biden has recently directed Gov. Walz and governors across the country to make any adult eligible for vaccines by May 1.