MN Health Commissioner Has 'Mixed Feelings' On New CDC Guidelines

ST. PAUL, MN — Jan Malcolm, Minnesota's commissioner for the Department of Health, acknowledged she has "mixed feelings" about the Centers for Disease Control's new guidance that vaccinated people no longer have to wear masks.

Malcolm noted that Minnesota continues to have one of the highest coronavirus case rates during the Thursday evening news conference where Gov. Tim Walz announced he would be repealing the statewide mask mandate.

Malcolm expressed concerns about unmasked people who aren't yet vaccinated and who can still spread the virus. Walz and Malcolm continued to press unvaccinated Minnesotans to get their shots if they are eligible.

The state Department of Health will continue to urge that unvaccinated people wear masks when out in public.

Malcolm wasn't the only state official who appeared blindsided by Thursday's developments from the CDC. Minnesota House Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn expressed dismay at the new federal guidance, speaking as a parent of children who aren't yet eligible for the vaccine.

Becker-Finn told Patch that she wished the CDC provided a heads up to state officials prior to their public announcement. She said she is grateful to Mayor Melvin Carter for announcing that the St. Paul city mask mandate will remain for now.

Meanwhile, Republican state Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka says Walz didn't go far, and that schoolchildren should not have to wear masks.

Minnesota's Safe Learning Plan, which requires masks in schools, will continue through the spring.

Mask Mandates Will Remain In Minneapolis, St. Paul For Now

Minneapolis and St. Paul will continue to enforce their current mask policies even after Gov. Tim Walz repeals the statewide mandate Friday. In both cities, people are required to wear face coverings in indoor spaces.

Read more here.