Minnesota Cities Reinstate Mask Mandates Due to Rise in COVID-19 Cases

In response to a significant increase in COVID-19 cases, effective January 6, 2022, at 5:00 p.m., the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, will require all individuals to wear facemasks indoors.

Minneapolis Mask Mandate

Under the Minneapolis Order, Emergency Regulation No. 2022-01, all individuals over the age of two and medically able are required to wear a face covering indoors at places of public accommodation regardless of vaccination status, except when eating or drinking.

Employers of businesses that are spaces of public accommodation must require their employees, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a face covering when employees have face-to-face contact with the public.

A place of public accommodation is a business, or other establishment whose goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations are extended, offered, sold, or otherwise made available to the public. This includes, but is not limited to, retail stores, stadiums, arenas, and service establishments.

St. Paul Mask Mandate

Under the St. Paul Order, Emergency Executive Order 2022-2, all businesses licensed by the City of St. Paul must require all individuals (except young children at risk of suffocation and persons who cannot medically tolerate wearing a face covering) to wear a face cover indoors when social distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained. All other businesses are strongly encouraged to comply with the face covering requirement. Temporary removal of face coverings is permitted when eating or drinking.

Businesses that fail to comply could face adverse licensing action and other penalties.

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.