Mask mandates lifted for licensed businesses in Minneapolis, St. Paul

Mask mandates for businesses licensed in Minneapolis and St. Paul have been lifted.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter issued the update Thursday.

Both mayors signed orders in their respective cities, ending the current mandates which had been in effect since January.

The mandate in Minneapolis formerly required patrons, employees, and visitors to wear a mask in areas of public accommodation. Those areas included “any indoor locations where members of the public gather, visit, or patronize” and included “bars, restaurants, museums, theaters, schools, recreational facilities, retail locations, and service offices.”

“Today, the Twin Cities has good reason to be hopeful for the future, and I know that our residents will continue stepping up for one another as we navigate this next phase together,” Frey said in a statement. “While Minneapolis is experiencing a sustained downward trend in case and hospitalization rates, our public health team will continue closely monitoring relevant data – and that data will continue guiding policy decisions going forward.”

The mandate in St. Paul was formerly required for businesses licensed by the city. The requirement did not apply to athletes, performers and supporting staff competing or performing at indoor venues.

St. Paul and Minneapolis city officials reported a masking requirement does remain in place for city-controlled facilities, as they continue to monitor COVID-19 case data.

Carter added, “Encouraging downward trends have improved our outlook significantly since January. I urge our community to continue following public health guidance and keep our momentum going.”

View the Minneapolis order here.

View the St. Paul order here.

The Minnesota Timberwolves issued the following statement after the mandate was lifted in Minneapolis, saying fans won’t need to wear masks at games starting with Thursday night’s game:

Beginning with tonight’s game against Memphis, effective immediately, Timberwolves fans attending games at Target Center will not be required to wear a mask while inside the arena. This immediate action follows the City’s lifting of the mask mandate announced this morning.

Minnesota Timberwolves

An Xcel Energy Center spokesperson said the arena has done away with its mask requirement in step with St. Paul city policy.