How To Prove You're Vaccinated In Minneapolis, St. Paul: LIST

MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter announced Wednesday that starting next week, customers of bars, restaurants, and other places that serve food or drink must show proof they've received the COVID-19 vaccine or show a negative PCR test result.

In Minneapolis and St. Paul, these forms of vaccination proof are accepted:

• An official vaccine record
• A photo or hard copy of the CDC vaccination card
• State of Minnesota Docket app
• Private, third-party applications designed to allow people to upload and save their vaccination card and negative COVID test results
• A photo or hard copy of an official vaccination record of a vaccine administered outside the United States for one of the following vaccines: AstraZeneca/SK Bioscience, Serum Institute of India/COVISHIELD and Vaxzevria, Sinopharm or Sinovac

Here's how to show that you tested negative for COVID-19:

• Printout or digital copy of the result of a PCR or antigen test from a sample collected within three days
• Self-administered antigen tests — also known as a home tests — do not qualify under this regulation

Customers who don't show proof of vaccination

• Businesses can refuse service to anyone who refuses to show proof of vaccination or a negative test
• Businesses may offer accommodation, such as outdoor seating or takeout, where available

"The recent surge in cases is overwhelming our hospitals and the data is clear that more is needed to keep our city safe and open while we weather this highly contagious variant," Frey said in a news release.

"This is an important opportunity to continue supporting your favorite local businesses and restaurants, knowing fellow patrons are either vaccinated or have tested negative. We all have a role in helping curb this surge in cases and keeping our city moving forward."

The policy will go into effect on Jan. 19 for venues that don't require a ticket. The policy will go into effect on Jan. 26 for ticketed events.

This vaccine mandate applies to places that serve food or drink, including:

• Indoor restaurant spaces, coffee shops, cafes within larger spaces (for example, museum cafes, gyms).
• Bars
• Sports venues that serve food or drink for onsite consumption
• Entertainment venues such as theaters and bowling alleys that serve food or drink for onsite consumption
• Conventions (if food is being served), catering halls and food courts (if the area is exclusive to a specific restaurant)

Exceptions to the mandate include:

• Children under age 2
• K-12 and early childcare settings
• Hospitals
• Congregate care facilities or other residential or healthcare facilities
• Locations that provide takeout service only
• Food or drink as part of a religious practice
• Outdoor spaces; grocery stores
• Convenience stores and other establishments that primarily sell food and other articles for offsite use except in seated dining areas within those stores
• Soup kitchens and other sites serving vulnerable populations