Law enforcement response to Minnesota mask mandate Mask mandate

by John McLoone

With a mandate in place for Minnesotans to wear masks in public indoor gathering spaces, local law enforcement is taking an educational tact to its enforcement of Gov. Tim Walz’s July 22 order.

In Minnesota, people are required to wear a face covering in businesses and public indoor spaces, including while waiting outside to enter. People aren’t required to “mask up” in their residences, but they have to in common areas of apartment buildings.

_e mask requirement remains in eect until the emergency is deemed over.

_e mask provides exception for people with health conditions that make it di ult to safely wear a mask. Children under age 2 need not wear a mask. Children between the ages of 2-5 aren’t required to wear masks but are encouraged to.

In Dakota County, Sheri Tim Leslie said: “We have received several questions related to the Governor’s Executive Order related to COVID-19 masks. Our emphasis will be on educating individuals rather than citing and we will have masks available for those that need them.

Privately owned business and entities have the right to refuse service and with the Governor’s recent order, those businesses don’t have a choice but to require face coverings. If an individual is refused service or entry and causes a disturbance, they may be subject to criminal penalties and we will respond to those situations accordingly.”