Because of the surging, highly contagious omicron variant, starting tomorrow, everyone in Minneapolis businesses and areas of public accommodation must wear a mask.
Today, Mayor Jacob Frey signed an emergency regulation reinstating the citywide mask policy, which requires patrons, employees and visitors to wear a mask in businesses and places of public accommodation.
The policy takes effect at 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 6.
Masks reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection for unvaccinated and vaccinated people. Masks are an important way to help keep our businesses and schools open.
Areas of public accommodation include any indoor locations where members of the public may gather, visit or patronize including bars, restaurants, museums, theaters, schools, recreational facilities, retail locations and service offices.
Business owners are encouraged to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s guiding principles for:
- Promoting behaviors that reduce virus spread.
- Maintaining healthy environments and operations.
- Preparing for when an employee gets sick.
The City of Minneapolis has a limited supply of masks for public distribution, particularly for vulnerable populations. Businesses that would like to request personal protective equipment (PPE) should send a request to the Minneapolis Health Department.
