MN Governor Walz Announces Face Covering Requirements

Transcript

Governor Tim Walz announced an Executive Order requiring face coverings for everyone in Minnesota. The order goes into effect on July 25th.

He said health experts have learned face masks that fully cover the nose and mouth are effective in limiting the spread of Covid-19 when you can’t socially distance from others.

WALZ: I believe if we could get 95% compliance on masks, and the science supports us and elsewhere, I think most of the activities we like to do we can do again except probably large crowds at bars, with people not wearing masks next to each other. (:14)

Walz noted President Donald Trump recently changed his stance and has expressed support for masks as a way to try and halt the expected coming wave of Covid-19 cases.

WALZ: The President himself said it’s patriotic to wear a mask and he himself wore one. (:04)

The State Department of Health website has the details of the Executive Order.

People are required to wear a mask in all public indoor spaces and businesses unless they are alone.

Workers must wear a face covering even when working outside if it’s a situation where they can’t socially distance from others.

Some people are exempt - individuals with health conditions or developmental needs that make it difficult to keep a mask on - are not required to wear one - and children under the age of 5.

Although Luetenant Peggy Flanagan suggested parents get their children used to wearing masks because it will be a requirement if we are to have children in classrooms again.

FLANAGAN: Now is the time to help them learn that behavior - that’s just what we do and t normalize it.

Tribes, as sovereign nations, are making their own decisions about requiring face covering for people on tribal lands.