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

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, MN — 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.

Hours after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said people who are fully vaccinated no longer have to wear masks, Walz said Thursday that he will repeal the statewide mask mandate.

Local governments can continue to enforce their own rules during the pandemic, however.

"The Minneapolis indoor mask requirement will stay in place while we review the data, consult our health experts, and analyze the unique circumstances and vaccination rates for our communities across our city," Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said in a statement.

"After such review we can reasonably project a timeline for lifting the requirement. That projection and final decision will follow the same health-based philosophy as when we first instituted the mask requirement a year ago. Minneapolis is nearing the end of this long journey, and our city is coming alive again - so we take this precaution to continue that consistent march in the right direction. There is good reason for hope in the Twin Cities."

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter made a similar announcement.

Read more: Gov. Tim Walz To Repeal Statewide Mask Mandate

More kids can now get vaccinated in Minnesota

Minnesotan kids ages 12 to 15 can begin receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine after the Centers for Disease Control provided final authorization Wednesday.

As of Thursday, Minnesota kids 12 and older can receive the vaccine at the following locations:

• CVS pharmacies in Minnesota that have the Pfizer vaccine
• HyVee pharmacies in Minnesota that have the Pfizer vaccine
• Walgreens pharmacies in Minnesota that have the Pfizer vaccine
• Children's Minnesota (Minneapolis, St. Paul locations)

Read more: Where Can Kids 12 To 15 Get Vaccinated In Minnesota: LIST