Governor to End Minnesota’s Mask Mandate Friday

(KNSI) – Minnesota will end its statewide mask requirement on Friday.

Governor Tim Walz announced on Thursday evening following new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on face coverings.

“This great day is possible because vaccines have proven to be effective,” said Governor Walz. “Once you are fully vaccinated you are protected. You can confidently return to the people you love and things that you miss – all without a mask. The message is clear – get vaccinated and let’s put the pandemic behind us once and for all.”

Executive Order 21-23 will be effective immediately upon approval by the Minnesota Executive Council, scheduled to meet Friday.

Minnesotans are fully vaccinated two weeks after their final dose of the vaccine – either the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Minnesotans who are not fully vaccinated are strongly recommended to wear face coverings indoors.

Private businesses and local municipalities may still put in place face-covering requirements. And Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan, along with the existing face-covering guidance for schools and child care settings, remain in effect.

The CDC announced Thursday that masks are no longer required for fully vaccinated individuals, either indoors or outside.

Minnesotans should follow CDC guidance and wear masks in medical settings and on public transportation, whether or not they are fully vaccinated.

Minnesotans can find vaccine appointments near them at mn.gov/vaccine.

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