City Of Minneapolis: Cities Of Minneapolis, Saint Paul Lift Regulations Requiring COVID-19 Vaccinations Or Negative Tests To Enter Food, ...

Press release from the City of Minneapolis:

February 10, 2022

Effective immediately, the Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul are rescinding emergency regulations requiring people entering food and drink establishments to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test. The end of the mandate comes as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are trending downward.

Case rates in Minneapolis have been dropping rapidly and steadily with a current seven-day new case rate of 499 per 100,000 people and positivity rates below the high-risk threshold. When the emergency regulation went into effect, the seven-day new case rate exceeded 1,300 cases per 100,000 people and positivity rates were increasing rapidly.

The cities’ requirements that masks are worn in most public places will remain in effect.

COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, ending up in the hospital, and even dying. As with vaccines for other diseases, people who are up to date are optimally protected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 5 years and older get their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines and receive a booster dose when eligible. Use the State’s Vaccine Locator Map to find a vaccine provider near you.

“Key public health metrics are trending in the right direction,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “That is a welcomed sign for Minneapolis, especially for the small businesses and restaurants that have shouldered the weight of this pandemic. Let’s hold the momentum and bring our city back in full by continuing to follow public health guidance and supporting local businesses.”

"We are grateful to be in a different place now than we were when this requirement first took effect,” said Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter. “While I encourage residents to continue to get vaccinated, wear masks, and practice social distancing while indoors, the sharp decline in cases and hospitalizations means we can safely lift the vaccine requirement in our city.”

Businesses who wish to continue with their own vaccine or testing requirements may continue to do so.

This press release was produced by the City of Minneapolis. The views expressed here are the author’s own.