Statewide Mask Mandated

Governor Walz has issued a state-wide mask mandate.  The mandate will go into effect at 11:59 pm, on Friday July 24^th.  The order will remain in effect until the peacetime emergency declared in Executive Order 20-01 is terminated or rescinded by proper authority.  The following link will take you to the Governor’s order.  The 15-page document contains great detail on the mandate, enforcement and exemptions. 

I am also including the following links to the Minnesota Department of Health and the MNGOV COVID19 landing page with additional information on Mask Up Minnesota.

It was also announced yesterday the State will be making available 4 million disposable masks through local chambers of commerce.  Please contact your local chamber if you need a supply of disposable masks.

As to be expected, the mask mandate was not universally accepted by GOP members of the Minnesota Legislature and some business owners. Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka was extremely critical of the Governor’s one-size-fits-all approach.  However, many of Minnesota’s business trade associations applauded the announcement and urged businesses, customers and employees to wear masks.  The business community is extremely concerned about the growing number of positive cases in Minnesota and across the country. It is hoped the mask mandate will slow the spread of the disease and prevent the Governor from needing to put back in place the business restrictions implemented in March and April.  The following articles from the Star Tribune provide additional reporting on the mask mandate and responses to the Governor’s order.