At 2 p.m. today (July 22), Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced the enactment of Executive Order 20-81, which will mandate that masks be worn. The order goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. Friday (July 24).

As it pertains to wearing face coverings, the Executive Order states, “Beginning on Friday, July 24, 2020 at 11:59 p.m., Minnesotans must wear a face covering in indoor businesses and indoor public settings, as described in this order and the related industry guidance, available at the Stay Safe Minnesota website (https://staysafe.mn.gov), as well as any other guidance referenced in this order. Workers must also wear face coverings outdoors when it is not possible to maintain social distancing. When leaving home, Minnesotans are strongly encouraged to have a face covering with them at all times to be prepared to comply with the requirements of this Executive Order.”

Executive Order 20-81 includes the definitions of a face covering, situations where face coverings are mandatory, circumstances where mandatory face coverings may be temporarily removed, situations where wearing a mask is strongly encouraged but not required, business penalties for non-compliance, those who are required to wear masks and those who are exempt. The order says that children five years of age or under are included on the exempt list.

 To see the full 15-page Executive Order, click here: https://mn.gov/governor/assets/EO%2020-81%20Final_tcm1055-441107.pdf