Walz to End Minnesota’s Mask Mandate for Vaccinated

(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 who are fully vaccinated will not be required to wear a mask in most situations. Minnesotans who are not fully vaccinated are strongly recommended to continue to wear face coverings.

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, remains in effect.

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