Gov. Walz Signs Statewide Mask Mandate In Minnesota: What To Know

TWIN CITIES, MN — Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order Wednesday requiring Minnesotans to wear a face covering while inside businesses and indoor public settings. Walz's administration cited researchers who advocated for mask-wearing, calling it a simple and effective step to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

To date, 30 states across the country, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico have issued similar mandates, along with more than a dozen cities in Minnesota.

The mandate goes into effect Saturday. State health and economic officials will be working together to distribute masks to underserved communities and businesses across the state.

"COVID-19 has impacted every corner of our state and every aspect of our lives," Walz stated.

"But as Minnesotans always do during tough times, we come together and we take care of one another," he said. "And right now, there’s no better way to demonstrate our Minnesotan values than by wearing a mask. By combatting the spread of COVID-19, masking will help protect our neighbors, keep our businesses open and get us on track to return to the activities we love."

Over the past several weeks, business owners and medical professionals have been showing their support for a mask mandate, saying it takes the burden off them to enforce people’s behaviors., according to Walz.

People with a medical condition, mental health condition or disability that makes it unreasonable to maintain a face covering are exempt from the order. This includes, but is not limited to, people who have a medical condition that compromises their ability to breathe, and those who are unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove a face covering without assistance.

Children age 5 and under are also exempt. Children under 2 should never wear a face covering due to the risk of suffocation, officials said.

According to Walz's administration, the goal of the mandate is voluntary compliance, not enforcement. However, anyone who willfully violates the mandate is guilty of a petty misdemeanor and, upon conviction, can be punished by a fine not to exceed $100.

Businesses willfully violating the mandate are guilty of a misdemeanor and can be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000 or up to 90 days in jail. The attorney general, as well as city and county attorneys, may also seek civil penalties from businesses in violation of Executive Order 20-81, according to a news release.

"Wearing a mask is one of the best ways we can slow the spread of COVID-19 and prevent Minnesotans from getting sick in the first place," said Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. "As someone who has lost a loved one to this virus, I know that every death we can prevent is another family who does not have to feel this kind of grief. Masking up helps us keep businesses open, socialize safely, and embrace a new normal. But, most importantly, it will save lives."

"Until there is a widely available vaccine, wearing a mask is one of the best tools we have for limiting the spread of COVID-19 and its harmful impacts," said Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm.

"Masking up when heading out, along with practicing social distancing and other preventive measures, are extremely important and will help us slow the spread of the disease so we can do more of the things we all want to do," Malcolm said. "As we’ve learned more about the virus, the science is increasingly clear that wearing masks significantly cuts the risk of spreading the disease from one person to another. Even if you are confident you don’t have serious illness, remember that without showing any symptoms you could pass the infection along to someone who is at high risk of severe illness or death. No one wants to take that chance with a friend or loved one."

The mandate will have the full force and effect of law upon the approval of the Executive Council, which is made up of the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state and auditor.