Yesterday, Governor Walz issued another executive order with the goal of slowing the spread of COVID-19. The order, which goes into effect Saturday, July 25, mandates the use of masks inside all businesses and indoor public spaces in Minnesota. In order to comply with the order, Minnesotans are encouraged to carry a mask with them at all times. People who refuse to wear a face-covering could face petty misdemeanor charges and a fine of up to $100. Business owners, managers, or supervisors who fail to comply with the order could be given a fine of up to $1000 or 90 days in jail.
In summary, the order mandates the following:
Everyone must wear a mask:
- Inside businesses or indoor public spaces, including while waiting outside to enter.
- In public transportation, taxis, and shared ride services
- In any business, venue, or public space that has opted to require the use of masks, even if not included in this order.
In addition, workers must wear a mask:
- While working outside, when conditions don’t allow for social distancing
- When entering private residences to perform work
Some exceptions include:
- Children under two years of age should not wear masks.
- People who have certain health conditions that make it impossible to use a mask
How do masks help?
The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be mostly spread by respiratory droplets released when people talk, cough or sneeze. Many people with COVID-19 do not show any symptoms but can still spread the virus to others, especially those who have had prolonged close contact with another person. Wearing a face covering will help to protect the people around you if you are infected and do not know it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that people should wear a face covering in public to limit the spread of respiratory droplets, especially in situations where social distancing is hard to maintain. Face coverings along with other measures like good hand hygiene and social distancing work together to slow the spread.
