Where You Do And Don't Need A Mask In Minnesota For Now

MINNEAPOLIS — Mere hours after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said people who are fully vaccinated no longer have to wear masks late last week, Gov. Tim Walz moved to repeal Minnesota's statewide mask mandate.

Local governments and businesses can continue to enforce their own rules on masks and social distancing, however. Minneapolis and St. Paul will continue to enforce their current mask policies. In both cities, people are required to wear face coverings in most indoor spaces, including businesses.

However, outside of Minnesota's two largest cities, businesses can drop mask policies if they want.

These stores have lifted mask requirements for fully vaccinated customers:

• Target
• Menards
• Best Buy
• CVS
• Costco
• Walmart
• Trader Joe's
• Starbucks
• Home Depot
• Walgreens
• Aldi

Masks are still required in publics settings including hospitals, health care clinics, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, public transit, and in all Minnesota public schools.

Are we missing any stores? Email [email protected] with the info

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

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. She made the remarks during the last week's news conference where Walz announced he would be repealing the statewide mask mandate.

Malcolm also 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.

Coronavirus: What MN Parents With Kids Under 12 Should Know

Children who are 11-years-old or younger are still not eligible for the vaccine.

Despite lower transmission and hospitalization rates, children two and older "should wear masks in public settings and when around people who don't live in their household," according to the CDC. Read more here.