Four More Cities in Minnesota Mandate Face Coverings

Four more Minnesota cities and the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International (MSP) Airport are requiring face coverings in indoor public spaces.

The St. Cloud City Council voted 5-2 in favor of an emergency ordinance mandating face coverings inside places of public accommodation. The ordinance is effective immediately. Businesses are required to post notice of the face covering requirement inside and outside entrances to their facility. The notice must be least 8 ½ x 11 inches in size.

The cities of Shoreview and Roseville have passed resolutions requiring individuals to wear face coverings in indoor areas accessible to the public. The mandates go into effect ­­July 27, 2020. Additionally, employers of businesses of public accommodation must require their employees to wear face coverings whenever they have face-to-face contact with the public, unless other physical barriers or social distancing measures are in place. Businesses must post notice of the requirements at all entrances used by the public to the facility. Additionally, Shoreview requires employers to post the notice their COVID-19 Preparedness Plans. Both cities resolutions also allow businesses to rely on an individual’s statement claiming they are exempt from the requirement.

                Bemidji’s mayor and city council have passed an amendment to the local emergency proclamation enacted in March. Under the declaration, effective as of 12:01 a.m. on July 21, 2020, individuals are required to wear a face covering in indoor areas accessible to the public. Businesses must post signage of the face covering requirement at all public entrances to their building.

The Metropolitan Airports Commission also joined the four cities and passed a resolution requiring face coverings be worn in all public spaces of the MSP Airport, including terminals, parking ramps, shuttle buses, trams, rental car facilities, and other similar facilities. Additionally, individuals are required to wear a face covering in any public outdoor area where a social distance of six feet cannot be maintained.

Reopening orders contain extensive requirements creating compliance issues that can vary significantly depending on the specific state or local jurisdiction. Jackson Lewis attorneys are closely monitoring updates and changes to legal requirements and guidance and are available to help employers weed through the complexities involved with state-specific or multistate-compliant plans.

If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to the Jackson Lewis attorney with whom you regularly work, or any member of our COVID-19 team.