Minneapolis, St. Paul mayors issue new face mask mandates

In response to a surge in COVID-19 cases, the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have issued new mask mandates for places of public accommodation.

Minneapolis

On Wednesday, January 5, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced Emergency Regulation 2022-1, which requires individuals ages 2 or older to mask in indoor places of public accommodation. The rule is effective today at 5:00 p.m. (CST).

A place of public accommodation is defined as a “business, or an educational, refreshment, entertainment, or recreation facility, or an institution of any kind . . . whose goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations are extended, offered, sold, or otherwise made available to the public.” Examples include retail stores, government buildings, stadiums, arenas, convention centers, service establishments, and educational institutions.

Under the regulation, any covered individual who is medically able to do so must wear a “medical grade mask or cloth face covering in accordance with [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] guidance” over their nose and mouth and in any indoor spaces of public accommodation, regardless of vaccination status. The only exception is for the purpose of eating and/or drinking. Medical-grade masks include N95, KN95, surgical, or other coverings that would be appropriate in a healthcare setting.

St. Paul