January 2022
Extending City of Saint Paul Emergency Declaration COVID-19 January 3, 2022
WHEREAS, Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019, commonly known as COVID-19, a respiratory disease that can result in serious illness or death, is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is a new strain of coronavirus that had not been previously identified in humans and can easily spread from person to person; and
WHEREAS, on March 15, 2020, I declared under the authority given in Minnesota Statutes §12.29, that a local emergency existed within Saint Paul, effective March 15, 2020, with all the powers and responsibilities attending thereto as provided by Chapter 12, Minnesota Statute, and Saint Paul Legislative Code, Chapter 13; and
WHEREAS, on March 17, 2020, the Saint Paul City Council, in Res 20-550 approved that declaration and extended the emergency for ninety days, until June 15, 2020; and
WHEREAS, on June 8, 2020, I declared under the authority given in Minnesota Statutes §12.29, that the local emergency continued to exist within Saint Paul, effective June 8, 2020, with all the powers and responsibilities attending thereto as provided by Chapter 12, Minnesota Statute, and Saint Paul Legislative Code, Chapter 13; and
WHEREAS, on June 10, 2020, the Saint Paul City Council, in RES 20-874 approved that declaration and extended the emergency for ninety days, until September 8, 2020; and
WHEREAS, on September 8, 2020, I declared under the authority given in Minnesota Statutes §12.29, that the local emergency continued to exist within Saint Paul, effective September 8, 2020, with all the powers and responsibilities attending thereto as provided by Chapter 12, Minnesota Statute, and Saint Paul Legislative Code, Chapter 13; and
WHEREAS, on September 9, 2020 the Saint Paul City Council, in RES 20-1249 approved that declaration and extended the emergency for ninety days, until December 8, 2020; and
WHEREAS, on November 30, 2020, I declared under the authority given in Minnesota Statutes §12.29, that the local emergency continued to exist within Saint Paul, effective November 30, 2020, with all the powers and responsibilities attending thereto as provided by Chapter 12, Minnesota Statute, and Saint Paul Legislative Code, Chapter 13; and
WHEREAS, on December 2, 2020 the Saint Paul City Council, in RES 20-1652 approved that declaration and extended the emergency for ninety days, until March 2, 2021; and
WHEREAS, on March 1, 2021, I declared under the authority given in Minnesota Statutes §12.29, that the local emergency continued to exist within Saint Paul, effective March 1, 2021, with all the powers and responsibilities attending thereto as provided by Chapter 12, Minnesota Statute, and Saint Paul Legislative Code, Chapter 13; and
WHEREAS, on March 3, 2021, the Saint Paul City Council, in RES 21-326 approved that declaration and extended the emergency for ninety days, until June 1, 2021; and
WHEREAS, on June 1, 2021, I declared under the authority given in Minnesota Statutes §12.29, that the local emergency continued to exist within Saint Paul, effective June 1, 2021, with all the powers and responsibilities attending thereto as provided by Chapter 12, Minnesota Statute, and Saint Paul Legislative Code, Chapter 13; and
WHEREAS, on June 2, 2021, the Saint Paul City Council, in RES 21-852 approved that declaration and extended the emergency for ninety days, until September 2, 2021; and
WHEREAS, on August 31, 2021, I declared under the authority given in Minnesota Statutes §12.29, that the local emergency continued to exist within Saint Paul, effective August 31, 2021, with all the powers and responsibilities attending thereto as provided by Chapter 12, Minnesota Statute, and Saint Paul Legislative Code, Chapter 13; and
WHEREAS, on September 1, 2021, the Saint Paul City Council, in RES 21-1305 approved that declaration and extended the emergency for ninety days, until November 30, 2021; and
WHEREAS, on November 29, 2021, I declared under the authority given in Minnesota Statutes §12.29, that the local emergency continued to exist within Saint Paul, effective November 29, 2021, with all the powers and responsibilities attending thereto as provided by Chapter 12, Minnesota Statute, and Saint Paul Legislative Code, Chapter 13; and
WHEREAS, on December 1, 2021, the Saint Paul City Council, in RES 21-1749 approved that declaration and extended the emergency for thirty-five days, until Wednesday, January 5 2021; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to present unprecedented and rapidly evolving challenge to our City. As of January 3, 2022, there were 82,602 reported cases of COVID-19 in Ramsey County, and 1,073 COVID-19 related deaths; and
WHEREAS, even though vaccinations have become widely available, it is now recommended that all fully vaccinated individuals receive a booster shot if; and serious threats to health and safety of persons and other impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be felt in the nation and City; and
WHEREAS, the Delta variant is more contagious than previous variants, has been causing more severe illness than prior variants, and fully vaccinated people with Delta variant breakthrough infections can spread the virus to others; and
WHEREAS, infections from the fast-spreading Delta variant have spread north to the Midwest and Mountain states this fall and Minnesota's rate of new infections has at recent times been the highest in the nation; and
WHEREAS, in recent weeks, Minnesota, in particular, has been under a surge of COVID-19 cases and hospitals have been up to 97% full; and
WHEREAS, the Omicron variant has been found in Minnesota and internationally has been spreading faster than any other previous variant; and
WHEREAS, the now 21-month health emergency has impacted the residents and businesses of Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s most-recent data on the impact of COVID-19:
- business applications are down 10.31%,
- 19% of small businesses have had an overall large negative impact and 24% have had a moderate negative impact,
- 30% of households with children under 5 have had a childcare disruption in the last 4 weeks,
- 11% of households have been unable to pay an energy bill in the last 12 months,
- 34.3% of households are behind or mortgage or rent payments and the risk of eviction or foreclosure is either somewhat or very likely
WHEREAS, it is likely that the DEED statistics under-represent the impact in Saint Paul. During the course of the pandemic, small businesses in metropolitan areas have been hit harder than those in rural areas. According to a report by the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) The Effects Of The COVID-19 Pandemic On Small Businesses (released March 2, 2021), in April 2020, the number of people in metropolitan areas who were working and self-employed was 21 percent lower than in April 2019. Outside of those areas, the decline was only 13 percent. In subsequent months, the decline in metropolitan areas continued to exceed the decline outside of metropolitan areas; and
WHEREAS, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 3 in 5 small businesses in Minnesota report at least a moderate negative impact on their business from the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities COVID-19 Hardship Watch, “[w]hile the economy has added jobs in recent months, there were still 5.0 million fewer jobs in September 2021 than in February 2020. The majority of jobs lost in the crisis have been in industries that pay low average wages, with the lowest-paying industries accounting for 30 percent of all jobs but 56 percent of the jobs lost from February 2020 to September 2021, according to the latest month of Labor Department employment data. Jobs were down nearly twice as much in low-paying industries (5.3 percent) as in medium-wage industries (3.2 percent) and more than six times as much as in high-wage industries (0.8 percent) during this period; and
WHEREAS, according to a Pew Center survey published March 5, 2021, among those who say their financial situation has gotten worse during the pandemic, 44% think it will take them three years or more to get back to where they were a year ago – including about one-in- ten who don’t think their finances will ever recover. Also, about half of workers who personally lost wages during the pandemic (49%) are still earning less money than before the coronavirus outbreak started; and
WHEREAS, in addition to action necessary to safeguard the health and safety of Saint Paul residents, it remains necessary for the City to provide economic support to individuals and businesses alike to ensure that Saint Paul recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic disaster; and
WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 peacetime emergency, I have exercised executive authority through more than 80 Executive Orders to provide relief and further prepare our City for the COVID- 19 Pandemic; and
WHEREAS, these Executive Orders remain in effect only as long as the emergency continues; and
WHEREAS, the necessary resources to respond to and recover from this pandemic will exceed those resources available within the City, and additional resources will be needed from Ramsey County, and state and federal sources;
NOW, THEREFORE, MAYOR MELVIN CARTER III, OF THE CITY OF SAINT PAUL DECLARES, REQUESTS, AND DIRECTS AS FOLLOWS:
- Under the authority given in Minnesota Statutes §12.29, declares that a local emergency continues to exist within Saint Paul, on January 3, 2022, with all the powers and responsibilities attending thereto as provided by Chapter 12, Minnesota Statute, and Saint Paul Legislative Code, Chapter 13. This declaration supersedes all prior declarations.
- Directs City departments to review ordinance and regulatory requirements, operations, civil and legal proceedings, events, and resources that can and should be adjusted or suspended, or to enact emergency regulations to support the residents of Saint Paul during the pandemic.
- Directs the Saint Paul Director of Emergency Management to request and coordinate appropriate aid and resources from surrounding jurisdictions, the Ramsey County Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and the State of Minnesota, as needed.
- Declares, under Minn. Stat. § 13D.021, that in-person meetings of the boards, commissions, and committees of public bodies under the Mayor’s jurisdiction are not practical or prudent because of the COVID-19 health pandemic. This does not include the Saint Paul City Council.
- Declares that the Inauguration event to be held on January 3, 2022, will be subject to a requirement that all individuals attending the event provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event.
- Requests the City Council convene at its earliest convenience to discuss the situation and this declaration. This state of local emergency may not be continued for a period in excess of three days except by or with the consent of the Council of the City of Saint Paul.
- Orders that this declaration be given prompt and general publicity and that it be filed promptly by the City Clerk.
EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER 2022-1
I, Melvin Carter III, Mayor of the City of Saint Paul, on January 3, 2022, pursuant to Saint Paul Legislative Code Section 13.06, do hereby issue the following Executive Order:
On March 13, 2020, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-10 Declaring a Peacetime Emergency and Coordinating Minnesota’s Strategy to Protect Minnesotans from COVID-19” pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 12.31, Subd. 2. This Declaration has now expired.
On March 15, 2020, Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter issued an Emergency Declaration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic” pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 12.29; which the City Council consented to on March 17, 2020. This Declaration has been extended and remains in effect.
WHEREAS, even though the spread of COVID-19 has slowed, and vaccinations are becoming widely available, serious threats to health and safety of persons and other impacts of the COVID- 19 pandemic continue to be felt in the City; and
WHEREAS, businesses continue to suffer the economic impacts of the pandemic and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future; and
WHEREAS, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 2 in 3 small businesses in Minnesota report at least a moderate negative impact on their business from the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, leisure and hospitality are some of the hardest hit sectors; and
WHEREAS, according to a Pew Center survey published March 5, 2021, among those who say their financial situation has gotten worse during the pandemic, 44% think it will take them three years or more to get back to where they were a year ago – including about one-in-ten who don’t think their finances will ever recover. Also, about half of workers who personally lost wages during the pandemic (49%) are still earning less money than before the coronavirus outbreak started; and
WHEREAS, in addition to action necessary to safeguard the health and safety of Saint Paul citizens, it remains necessary for the City to provide support to individuals and businesses alike to ensure that Saint Paul recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic disaster; and
Saint Paul Leg. Code Chapter 13.06(b) provides that, “whenever necessary to meet an emergency … the mayor may by executive order promulgate regulations … for which adequate regulations have not been adopted … respecting the conduct of persons and the use of property during emergencies; the repair, maintenance and safeguarding of essential public services; emergency health, fire and safety regulations; and all other matters which are required to protect public safety, health and welfare in emergencies”.
During the course of the Declared Emergency, I have issued several Executive Orders, and the original basis for these orders has not changed:
- Executive Order 2021-43 (Face covering requirement indoors at City-controlled facilities)
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Melvin Carter III, Mayor of the City of Saint Paul, do hereby extend the following Emergency Executive Order:
The following Executive Order is extended without amendment:
- Executive Order 2021-43 (Face covering requirement indoors at City-controlled facilities)
Pursuant to Chapter 13 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code, this Executive Order is in immediate effect upon my signature and, if not sooner rescinded or later extended, shall expire at the end of forty (40) days after its effective date or at the end of the declared local emergency to which it relates, whichever occurs first.
EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER 2022-2
I, Melvin Carter III, Mayor of the City of Saint Paul, on January 5 2022, pursuant to Saint Paul Legislative Code Section 13.06, do hereby issue the following Executive Order:
On March 13, 2020, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-01 Declaring a Peacetime Emergency and Coordinating Minnesota’s Strategy to Protect Minnesotans from COVID-19 pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 12.31, Subd. 2. That Executive Order has expired.
On March 15, 2020, Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter issued an Emergency Declaration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 12.29; which the City Council consented to on March 17, 2020. This Emergency Declaration has been extended and remains in effect.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) identified new variants of the COVID-19 virus which are present in the United States and medical experts determined that some of these variants are significantly more contagious than previously known variants. The COVID-19 Delta variant has been determined by the CDC to be a “variant of concern” due to its high transmissibility and continues to account for a large number of new cases sequenced in Minnesota and Ramsey County, thereby substantially increasing the potential risk of infection and the spread of the virus through the community. The COVID-19 Omicron variant, which has been identified in Ramsey County, has been determined by the CDC to be a “variant of concern” and appears to be easily transmitted. The Omicron variant accounts for 68% of the cases in Minnesota.
Since the beginning of the pandemic there have been more than 5,617 COVID-19 hospitalizations and 1,090 COVID-19 deaths in Ramsey County. Case rates are now at an extremely high level of approximately 536 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people per day in Ramsey County, which places Ramsey County in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s high transmission category (which includes any location over 100 or more cases per 100,000). The positivity rate in Ramsey County is currently more than 13%.
COVID-19 infection is transmitted predominately by inhalation of respiratory droplets and studies show that masks and face coverings block the release of respiratory droplets into the environment and can also reduce the wearer’s exposure to droplets from others because COVID-19 viral particles spread between people more readily indoors and when people are closer together for longer periods of time indoors. Inside activities, and in particular inside activities where individuals gather without masks and where individuals gather for extended periods, or both, increase the likelihood of the spread of COVID-19. Studies have indicated and public health experts have concluded that indoor dining is a significant driver of the COVID-19 pandemic, in part because it is not possible to wear a mask while eating or drinking.
The WHO and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have advised all individuals to take measures to reduce their risk of COVID-19, especially the Delta and Omicron variants, including proven public health and social measures such as wearing well-fitting masks, hand hygiene, physical distancing, improving ventilation of indoor spaces, avoiding crowded spaces, and getting vaccinated.
Saint Paul Leg. Code Chapter 13.06(b) provides that, “whenever necessary to meet an emergency … the mayor may by executive order promulgate regulations … for which adequate regulations have not been adopted … respecting the conduct of persons and the use of property during emergencies; the repair, maintenance and safeguarding of essential public services; emergency health, fire and safety regulations; and all other matters which are required to protect public safety, health and welfare in emergencies.”
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Melvin Carter, Mayor of the City of Saint Paul, do hereby issue the following Emergency Executive Order:
Executive Order 2022-1, related to masks in City-controlled property, is rescinded and replaced with this Executive Order on the below-listed effective date.
Regulations:
- Individuals at City-Controlled Property: Must wear a face covering indoors at all times when social distancing of at least 6 feet is not maintained.
- Businesses Licensed by the City of Saint Paul: Must require all Individuals to wear a face covering indoors at all times when social distancing of at least 6 feet is not maintained, except for temporary removal of face covering when eating or drinking.
- All Businesses: Strongly encouraged to continue to require that all individuals wear a face covering indoors at all times when social distancing of at least 6 feet is not maintained.
Terms:
- Individual: all persons except young children at risk of suffocation and persons who cannot medically tolerate wearing a face covering.
- City-Controlled Property: includes park facilities, libraries, and City offices and workplaces.
- Face Covering: includes manufactured or homemade cloth face coverings. Face coverings must fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth. Face coverings are not required to be medical-grade masks.
Enforcement:
- Any Individual who fails to comply with this requirement will be asked to leave any City-controlled property. Any individual who subsequently refuses to leave said property upon request will be deemed to be trespassing and may be subject to criminal penalties as provided by law.
- Any business licensed by the City of Saint Paul found in violation of this requirement may face adverse licensing action and penalties under Chapter 310 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code.
Pursuant to Chapter 13 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code, this Executive Order will take effect at 5:00 pm on January 6, 2022 following my signature and, if not sooner rescinded or later extended, shall expire at the end of forty (40) days after its effective date or at the end of the declared local emergency to which it relates, whichever occurs first.
EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER 2022-3
I, Melvin Carter III, Mayor of the City of Saint Paul, on January 5, 2022, pursuant to Saint Paul Legislative Code Section 13.06, do hereby issue the following Executive Order:
On March 13, 2020, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-01 Declaring a Peacetime Emergency and Coordinating Minnesota’s Strategy to Protect Minnesotans from COVID-19 pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 12.31, Subd. 2. That Executive Order has expired.
On March 15, 2020, Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter issued an Emergency Declaration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 12.29; which the City Council consented to on March 17, 2020. This Emergency Declaration has been extended and remains in effect.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) identified new variants of the COVID-19 virus which are present in the United States and medical experts determined that some of these variants are significantly more contagious than previously known variants. The COVID-19 Delta variant has been determined by the CDC to be a “variant of concern” due to its high transmissibility and continues to account for a large number of new cases sequenced in Minnesota and Ramsey County, thereby substantially increasing the potential risk of infection and the spread of the virus through the community. The COVID-19 Omicron variant, which has been identified in Ramsey County, has been determined by the CDC to be a “variant of concern” and appears to be easily transmitted. The Omicron variant accounts for 68% of the cases in Minnesota.
Since the beginning of the pandemic there have been more than 5,617 COVID-19 hospitalizations and 1,090 COVID-19 deaths in Ramsey County. Case rates are now at an extremely high level of approximately 536 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people per day in Ramsey County, which places Ramsey County in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s high transmission category (which includes any location over 100 or more cases per 100,000). The positivity rate in Ramsey County is currently more than 13%.
COVID-19 infection is transmitted predominately by inhalation of respiratory droplets and studies show that masks and face coverings block the release of respiratory droplets into the environment and can also reduce the wearer’s exposure to droplets from others because COVID-19 viral particles spread between people more readily indoors and when people are closer together for longer periods of time indoors. Inside activities, and in particular inside activities where individuals gather without masks and where individuals gather for extended periods, or both, increase the likelihood of the spread of COVID-19. Studies have indicated and public health experts have concluded that indoor dining is a significant driver of the COVID-19 pandemic, in part because it is not possible to wear a mask while eating or drinking.
The WHO and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have advised all individuals to take measures to reduce their risk of COVID-19, especially the Delta and Omicron variants, including proven public health and social measures such as wearing well-fitting masks, hand hygiene, physical distancing, improving ventilation of indoor spaces, avoiding crowded spaces, and getting vaccinated.
Saint Paul Leg. Code Chapter 13.06(b) provides that, “whenever necessary to meet an emergency … the mayor may by executive order promulgate regulations … for which adequate regulations have not been adopted … respecting the conduct of persons and the use of property during emergencies; the repair, maintenance and safeguarding of essential public services; emergency health, fire and safety regulations; and all other matters which are required to protect public safety, health and welfare in emergencies.”
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Melvin Carter, Mayor of the City of Saint Paul, do hereby issue the following Emergency Executive Order:
Executive Orders 2022-1, and 2022-2 related to mask requirements are rescinded and replaced with this Executive Order on the below-listed effective date.
Regulations:
- Individuals, regardless of vaccine status, at City-Controlled Property: Must wear a face covering indoors at all times. Employees who are not in a congregate setting and are alone in their assigned workspace may refrain from wearing a face covering.
- Individuals are not required to wear a face covering while outdoors, unless at an activity specifically designated and posted by the City as requiring a face covering.
- Businesses Licensed by the City of Saint Paul: Must require all Individuals to wear a face covering indoors at all times when social distancing of at least 6 feet is not maintained, except for temporary removal of face covering when eating or drinking.
- Athletes, performers, and supporting staff competing or performing at indoor spaces that are licensed or controlled by the City of Saint Paul are not subject to this regulation.
- All Businesses: Strongly encouraged to continue to require that all individuals, regardless of vaccine status, wear a face covering indoors at all times when social distancing of at least 6 feet is not maintained.
Terms:
- Individual: all persons except young children at risk of suffocation and persons who cannot medically tolerate wearing a face covering.
- City-Controlled Property: includes park facilities, libraries, and City offices and workplaces.
- Congregate setting: an environment where a number of people work, meet, or gather in close proximity for either a limited or extended period of time. Any specific regulations for individual City-controlled spaces will be published on the City website and posted at each location.
- Face Covering: includes manufactured or homemade cloth face coverings. Face coverings must fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth. Face coverings are not required to be medical-grade masks, but are strongly encouraged.
Enforcement:
- Any Individual who fails to comply with this requirement will be asked to leave any City-controlled property. Any individual who subsequently refuses to leave said property upon request will be deemed to be trespassing and may be subject to criminal penalties as provided by law.
- Any business licensed by the City of Saint Paul found in violation of this requirement may face adverse licensing action and penalties under Chapter 310 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code.
Pursuant to Chapter 13 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code, this Executive Order will take effect at 5:00 pm on January 6, 2022 following my signature and, if not sooner rescinded or later extended, shall expire at the end of forty (40) days after its effective date or at the end of the declared local emergency to which it relates, whichever occurs first.
EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER 2022-4
I, Melvin Carter III, Mayor of the City of Saint Paul, on January 12, 2022, pursuant to Saint Paul Legislative Code Section 13.06, do hereby issue the following Executive Order:
On March 13, 2020, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-01 Declaring a Peacetime Emergency and Coordinating Minnesota’s Strategy to Protect Minnesotans from COVID-19 pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 12.31, Subd. 2. That Executive Order has expired.
On March 15, 2020, Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter issued an Emergency Declaration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 12.29; which the City Council consented to on March 17, 2020. This Emergency Declaration has been extended and remains in effect.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) identified new variants of the COVID-19 virus which are present in the United States and medical experts determined that some of these variants are significantly more contagious than previously known variants. The COVID-19 Delta variant has been determined by the CDC to be a “variant of concern” due to its high transmissibility and continues to account for a large number of new cases sequenced in Minnesota and Ramsey County, thereby substantially increasing the potential risk of infection and the spread of the virus through the community. The COVID-19 Omicron variant, which has been identified in Ramsey County, has been determined by the CDC to be a “variant of concern” and appears to be easily transmitted. The Omicron variant accounts for 68% of the cases in Minnesota.
Since the beginning of the pandemic there have been more than 5,617 COVID-19 hospitalizations and 1,090 COVID-19 deaths in Ramsey County. Case rates are now at an extremely high level of approximately 536 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people per day in Ramsey County, which places Ramsey County in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s high transmission category (which includes any location over 100 or more cases per 100,000). The positivity rate in Ramsey County is currently more than 13%.
COVID-19 infection is transmitted predominately by inhalation of respiratory droplets and studies show that face coverings block the release of respiratory droplets into the environment and can also reduce the wearer’s exposure to droplets from others because COVID-19 viral particles spread between people more readily indoors and when people are closer together for longer periods of time indoors. Inside activities, and in particular inside activities where individuals gather without face coverings and where individuals gather for extended periods, or both, increase the likelihood of the spread of COVID-19. Studies have indicated and public health experts have concluded that indoor dining is a significant driver of the COVID-19 pandemic, in part because it is not possible to wear a face covering while eating or drinking.
The WHO and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have advised all individuals to take measures to reduce their risk of COVID-19, especially the Delta and Omicron variants, including proven public health and social measures such as wearing well-fitting face coverings, hand hygiene, physical distancing, improving ventilation of indoor spaces, avoiding crowded spaces, and getting vaccinated. Safe, highly effective COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available in the United States. Administration of a COVID-19 vaccine is a medically accepted and recommended form of prophylactic treatment that dramatically reduces the likelihood of experiencing a symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recent studies show that available COVID-19 vaccines also reduce asymptomatic infection and transmission. COVID-19 vaccines are now readily available for all eligible individuals five years of age and older, while those four years of age and under remain ineligible for vaccination and therefore subject to greater exposure of infection and transmission. Broad distribution and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines is essential to ending the COVID-19 pandemic.
Saint Paul Leg. Code Chapter 13.06(b) provides that, “whenever necessary to meet an emergency … the mayor may by executive order promulgate regulations … for which adequate regulations have not been adopted … respecting the conduct of persons and the use of property during emergencies; the repair, maintenance and safeguarding of essential public services; emergency health, fire and safety regulations; and all other matters which are required to protect public safety, health and welfare in emergencies.”
Executive Order 2022-3 includes the requirement that businesses licensed by the City of Saint Paul must, regardless of vaccine status, require all Individuals to wear a face covering indoors at all times when social distancing of at least 6 feet is not maintained, except for temporary removal of face covering when eating or drinking. This order is in addition to that order and will help protect the safety of patrons of licensed establishments who are permitted to remove masks to eat or drink.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Melvin Carter, Mayor of the City of Saint Paul, do hereby issue the following Emergency Executive Order:
Regulations
- Effective January 19, 2022, any licensed business that is a space of public accommodation in the City of Saint Paul during any time that food and/or drink is sold or served indoors for consumption onsite shall limit admission of patrons to the area of the licensed premises where food and/or drink is being consumed, to only those persons who furnish proof of a completed vaccination series against COVID-19 or a negative COVID- 19 test obtained within seventy-two (72) hours of entry.
- Effective January 26, 2022, any licensed business, during any time that a ticketed event is being held, that is a space of public accommodation in the City of Saint Paul during any time that food and/or drink is sold or served indoors for consumption onsite shall limit admission of patrons to the area of the licensed premises where food and/or drink is being consumed, to only those persons who furnish proof of a completed vaccination series against COVID-19 or a negative COVID-19 test obtained within seventy-two (72) hours of entry.
- This regulation shall not prevent any business from establishing more strict requirements for its workforce, contractors, volunteers, customers or clientele, including requiring all persons onsite to be vaccinated (to the extent otherwise permitted under applicable law).
- Athletes, performers, and supporting staff (such as coaches, trainers, road crew, and similar supportive staff) competing or performing at any space of public accommodation subject to this regulation are not subject to the regulation, provided that the facility follows all supplemental COVID-19 safety measures.
- Any facility hosting an event or activity (on a one-time or ongoing basis) that holds a license issued by the City of Saint Paul is not subject to these requirements for a specific event if no food or beverages will be consumed at the event and the facility follows all supplemental COVID-19 safety measures.
- All employers of businesses that are spaces public accommodation subject to this Regulation shall comply with OSHA standards 1910.501(e) and (g), as existing on the date of issuance of this Emergency Regulation, relating to employee vaccination status and testing at covered locations, regardless of the number of their employees.
Definitions
- A licensed business that is a space of public accommodation means an entity that holds a City license that is a business, or an educational, refreshment, entertainment, or recreation facility, or an institution of any kind, whose goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations are extended, offered, sold, or otherwise made available to the public.
- Proof of a completed vaccination series against COVID-19 means presentation of a CDC-provided card, photograph of card, other government-approved record of vaccination, or an application approved by a governmental entity (e.g. Docket) to hold immunization information in conjunction with any photo identification that includes a photograph and name of the individual. A photo identification is not required for individuals under the age of 18.
- Completed Vaccination Series means two weeks following completion of any CDC approved vaccination series, including: • A 2-dose series of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or • A single-dose COVID-19 vaccine (Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine).
- A negative COVID-19 test means an email, printout or screen shot with the name of the individual and the test result showing the date of the test in conjunction with any photo identification that includes a photograph and name of the individual. A photo identification is not required for individuals under the age of 18. At-home tests do not meet this requirement.
- Face covering includes manufactured or homemade cloth face masks. Face coverings must fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth. Face coverings are not required to be medical-grade masks, but medical-grade masks are strongly encouraged.
- A ticketed event is an event where all patrons must obtain a ticket to attend the event and tickets were available for purchase at least 14 days in advance of the event.
- Supplemental COVID-19 safety measures include:
a. Requiring face coverings be worn by all individuals, regardless of vaccine status, except young children at risk of suffocation and persons who cannot medically tolerate wearing a face covering.
b. Make masks available for staff and attendees.
c. Providing sufficient hand sanitizer and hand washing facilities.
d. Following CDC-recommended cleaning protocols.
e. Maintaining as much social distancing as possible.
f. Maximize indoor air ventilation.
Exemptions
- Individuals under the age of 5.
- The pedestrian skyway system as defined in Saint Paul Legislative Code chapter 140.
- Any educational facility for students and staff during school hours.
- Any location providing COVID-19 vaccinations or testing provided that the facility follows all supplemental COVID-19 safety measures.
- Any location hosting a Naturalization ceremony during the ceremony provided that no food or beverages are provided or consumed the facility follows all COVID-19 safety measures.
- Grocery stores, convenience stores, or other establishments that primarily sell food or other articles for offsite use, except in seated dining areas within those stores.
- Any portion of a location that is outdoors, meaning the area is fully open to the outside on two or more sides, regardless of whether the area has a ceiling or roof.
Pursuant to Chapter 13 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code, this Executive Order will take effect on January 19, 2022 and January 26, 2022 for ticketed events following my signature and, if not sooner rescinded or later extended, shall expire at the end of forty (40) days after January 19, 2022 or at the end of the declared local emergency to which it relates, whichever occurs first.
Executive Order January 13, 2022, 2022-5
EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER 2022-5 (Amending 2022-4)
I, Melvin Carter III, Mayor of the City of Saint Paul, on January 13, 2022, pursuant to Saint Paul Legislative Code Section 13.06, do hereby issue the following Executive Order:
On March 13, 2020, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-01 Declaring a Peacetime Emergency and Coordinating Minnesota’s Strategy to Protect Minnesotans from COVID-19 pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 12.31, Subd. 2. That Executive Order has expired.
On March 15, 2020, Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter issued an Emergency Declaration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 12.29; which the City Council consented to on March 17, 2020. This Emergency Declaration has been extended and remains in effect.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) identified new variants of the COVID-19 virus which are present in the United States and medical experts determined that some of these variants are significantly more contagious than previously known variants. The COVID-19 Delta variant has been determined by the CDC to be a “variant of concern” due to its high transmissibility and continues to account for a large number of new cases sequenced in Minnesota and Ramsey County, thereby substantially increasing the potential risk of infection and the spread of the virus through the community. The COVID-19 Omicron variant, which has been identified in Ramsey County, has been determined by the CDC to be a “variant of concern” and appears to be easily transmitted. The Omicron variant accounts for 68% of the cases in Minnesota.
Since the beginning of the pandemic there have been more than 5,617 COVID-19 hospitalizations and 1,090 COVID-19 deaths in Ramsey County. Case rates are now at an extremely high level of approximately 536 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people per day in Ramsey County, which places Ramsey County in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s high transmission category (which includes any location over 100 or more cases per 100,000). The positivity rate in Ramsey County is currently more than 13%.
COVID-19 infection is transmitted predominately by inhalation of respiratory droplets and studies show that face coverings block the release of respiratory droplets into the environment and can also reduce the wearer’s exposure to droplets from others because COVID-19 viral particles spread between people more readily indoors and when people are closer together for longer periods of time indoors. Inside activities, and in particular inside activities where individuals gather without face coverings and where individuals gather for extended periods, or both, increase the likelihood of the spread of COVID-19. Studies have indicated and public health experts have concluded that indoor dining is a significant driver of the COVID-19 pandemic, in part because it is not possible to wear a face covering while eating or drinking.
The WHO and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have advised all individuals to take measures to reduce their risk of COVID-19, especially the Delta and Omicron variants, including proven public health and social measures such as wearing well-fitting face coverings, hand hygiene, physical distancing, improving ventilation of indoor spaces, avoiding crowded spaces, and getting vaccinated. Safe, highly effective COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available in the United States. Administration of a COVID-19 vaccine is a medically accepted and recommended form of prophylactic treatment that dramatically reduces the likelihood of experiencing a symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recent studies show that available COVID-19 vaccines also reduce asymptomatic infection and transmission. COVID-19 vaccines are now readily available for all eligible individuals five years of age and older, while those four years of age and under remain ineligible for vaccination and therefore subject to greater exposure of infection and transmission. Broad distribution and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines is essential to ending the COVID-19 pandemic.
Saint Paul Leg. Code Chapter 13.06(b) provides that, “whenever necessary to meet an emergency … the mayor may by executive order promulgate regulations … for which adequate regulations have not been adopted … respecting the conduct of persons and the use of property during emergencies; the repair, maintenance and safeguarding of essential public services; emergency health, fire and safety regulations; and all other matters which are required to protect public safety, health and welfare in emergencies.”
Executive Order 2022-3 includes the requirement that businesses licensed by the City of Saint Paul must, regardless of vaccine status, require all Individuals to wear a face covering indoors at all times when social distancing of at least 6 feet is not maintained, except for temporary removal of face covering when eating or drinking. This order is in addition to that order and will help protect the safety of patrons of licensed establishments who are permitted to remove masks to eat or drink.
Executive Order 2022-4 included a requirement that businesses subject to that order would comply with certain OSHA requirements that were stayed by the United States Supreme Court in National Federation of Independent Business v. Department of Labor, 595 U. S. ____ (2022). NOW, THEREFORE, I, Melvin Carter, Mayor of the City of Saint Paul, do hereby issue the following Emergency Executive Order:
Regulations
- Effective January 19, 2022, any licensed business that is a space of public accommodation in the City of Saint Paul during any time that food and/or drink is sold or served indoors for consumption onsite shall limit admission of patrons to the area of the licensed premises where food and/or drink is being consumed, to only those persons who furnish proof of a completed vaccination series against COVID-19 or a negative COVID- 19 test obtained within seventy-two (72) hours of entry.
- Effective January 26, 2022, any licensed business, during any time that a ticketed event is being held, that is a space of public accommodation in the City of Saint Paul during any time that food and/or drink is sold or served indoors for consumption onsite shall limit admission of patrons to the area of the licensed premises where food and/or drink is being consumed, to only those persons who furnish proof of a completed vaccination series against COVID-19 or a negative COVID-19 test obtained within seventy-two (72) hours of entry.
- This regulation shall not prevent any business from establishing more strict requirements for its workforce, contractors, volunteers, customers or clientele, including requiring all persons onsite to be vaccinated (to the extent otherwise permitted under applicable law).
- Athletes, performers, and supporting staff (such as coaches, trainers, road crew, and similar supportive staff) competing or performing at any space of public accommodation subject to this regulation are not subject to the regulation, provided that the facility follows all supplemental COVID-19 safety measures.
- Any facility hosting an event or activity (on a one-time or ongoing basis) that holds a license issued by the City of Saint Paul is not subject to these requirements for a specific event if no food or beverages will be consumed at the event and the facility follows all supplemental COVID-19 safety measures.
All employers of businesses that are spaces public accommodation subject to this Regulation shall comply with OSHA standards 1910.501(e) and (g), as existing on the date of issuance of this Emergency Regulation, relating to employee vaccination status and testing at covered locations, regardless of the number of their employees.
Definitions
- A licensed business that is a space of public accommodation means an entity that holds a City license that is a business, or an educational, refreshment, entertainment, or recreation facility, or an institution of any kind, whose goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations are extended, offered, sold, or otherwise made available to the public.
- Proof of a completed vaccination series against COVID-19 means presentation of a CDC-provided card, photograph of card, other government-approved record of vaccination, or an application approved by a governmental entity (e.g. Docket) to hold immunization information in conjunction with any photo identification that includes a photograph and name of the individual. A photo identification is not required for individuals under the age of 18.
- Completed Vaccination Series means two weeks following completion of any CDC approved vaccination series, including:
• A 2-dose series of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or
• A single-dose COVID-19 vaccine (Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine).
- A negative COVID-19 test means an email, printout or screen shot with the name of the individual and the test result showing the date of the test in conjunction with any photo identification that includes a photograph and name of the individual. A photo identification is not required for individuals under the age of 18. At-home tests do not meet this requirement.
- Face covering includes manufactured or homemade cloth face masks. Face coverings must fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth. Face coverings are not required to be medical-grade masks, but medical-grade masks are strongly encouraged.
- A ticketed event is an event where all patrons must obtain a ticket to attend the event and tickets were available for purchase at least 14 days in advance of the event.
- Supplemental COVID-19 safety measures include:
a. Requiring face coverings be worn by all individuals, regardless of vaccine status, except young children at risk of suffocation and persons who cannot medically tolerate wearing a face covering.
b. Make masks available for staff and attendees.
c. Providing sufficient hand sanitizer and hand washing facilities.
d. Following CDC-recommended cleaning protocols.
e. Maintaining as much social distancing as possible.
f. Maximize indoor air ventilation.
Exemptions
- Individuals under the age of 5.
- The pedestrian skyway system as defined in Saint Paul Legislative Code chapter 140.
- Any educational facility for students and staff during school hours.
- Any location providing COVID-19 vaccinations or testing provided that the facility follows all supplemental COVID-19 safety measures.
- Any location hosting a Naturalization ceremony during the ceremony provided that no food or beverages are provided or consumed the facility follows all COVID-19 safety measures.
- Grocery stores, convenience stores, or other establishments that primarily sell food or other articles for offsite use, except in seated dining areas within those stores.
- Any portion of a location that is outdoors, meaning the area is fully open to the outside on two or more sides, regardless of whether the area has a ceiling or roof.
Pursuant to Chapter 13 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code, this Executive Order will take effect on January 19, 2022 and January 26, 2022 for ticketed events following my signature and, if not sooner rescinded or later extended, shall expire at the end of forty (40) days after January 19, 2022 or at the end of the declared local emergency to which it relates, whichever occurs first.
Executive Order January 14, 2022, 2022-6
EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER 2022-6
I, Melvin Carter III, Mayor of the City of Saint Paul, on January 14, 2022, pursuant to Saint Paul Legislative Code Section 13.06, do hereby issue the following Executive Order:
WHEREAS, on March 15, 2020, I issued an Emergency Declaration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic” pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 12.29; which the City Council consented to on March 17, 2020, and which has been extended and remains in effect; and
WHEREAS, Saint Paul Leg. Code Chapter 13.06(b) provides that, “whenever necessary to meet an emergency … the mayor may by executive order promulgate regulations … for which adequate regulations have not been adopted … respecting the conduct of persons and the use of property during emergencies; the repair, maintenance and safeguarding of essential public services; emergency health, fire and safety regulations; and all other matters which are required to protect public safety, health and welfare in emergencies; and
WHEREAS, buildings and residences in downtown Saint Paul are connected by a robust skyway system which allows downtown residents to move between buildings and provides downtown residents with access to essential businesses; and
WHEREAS, the hours of the skyway system are governed by Saint Paul Legislative Code §140.10 which sets the General Hours of Operation and requires that “all parts of the skyway system shall be open to the public every day between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.”; and
WHEREAS, compliance with the skyway hours of operation requires monitoring by both Saint Paul Police and building owners;
WHEREAS, on April 9, 2020 I issued Emergency Executive Order 2020-5 to allow an individual with responsibility for a portion of the skyway system to close their portion of the skyway for which they are responsible at 7 p.m. provided that notice of the revised skyway hours are posted in conspicuous locations; and
WHEREAS, based on the easing of COVID restrictions statewide, the fact that the spread of COVID-19 had slowed, and the wide availability of vaccines and the recommendation of skyway stakeholders I issued Executive Order 2021-23 which adjusted the skyway closure hours keeping the skyways open longer; and
WHEREAS, Executive Order 2021-23 was rescinded and replaced with Executive Order 2021-40 which allowed for an individual with responsibility for a portion of the skyway system is permitted to close their portion of the skyway for which they are responsible no earlier than 11:00 p.m. provided that notice of the revised skyway hours are posted in conspicuous locations; and
WHEREAS, Executive Order 2021-40 was extended by Executive Order 2021-44 and was set to expire on January 14, 2022 which would return Skyway Hours to normal; and
WHEREAS, The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) identified new variants of the COVID-19 virus which are present in the United States and medical experts determined that some of these variants are significantly more contagious than previously known variants. The COVID-19 Delta variant has been determined by the CDC to be a “variant of concern” due to its high transmissibility and continues to account for a large number of new cases sequenced in Minnesota and Ramsey County, thereby substantially increasing the potential risk of infection and the spread of the virus through the community. The COVID-19 Omicron variant, which has been identified in Ramsey County, has been determined by the CDC to be a “variant of concern” and appears to be easily transmitted. The Omicron variant accounts for 68% of the cases in Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, on December 16, 2021, representatives from the Department of Safety and Inspections met with representatives from SPPD, Downtown Alliance, BOMA and Skyway Easement Property Owners and discussed that due to COVID cases resurgence a comprehensive and coordinated Skyway security and maintenance effort was not yet ready to move to adding additional hours; and
WHEREAS, a request was made to retain the current Skyway Hours of 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Melvin Carter III, Mayor of the City of Saint Paul, do hereby renew the following Emergency Executive Order in order to keep the current Skyway Hours in place:
- Executive Order 2021-44 is extended to retain the current Skyway Hours and allow an individual with responsibility for a portion of the skyway system to close their portion of the skyway for which they are responsible no earlier than 11:00 p.m. provided that notice of the revised skyway hours are posted in conspicuous locations.
Pursuant to Chapter 13 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code, the above listed Executive Order will remain in effect upon my signature and, if not sooner rescinded or later extended, shall expire at the end of forty (40) days after the effective date or at the end of the declared local emergency to which they relate, whichever occurs first.
Executive Order January 20, 2022, 2022-7
EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER 2022-7
I, Melvin Carter III, Mayor of the City of Saint Paul, on January 20, 2022 pursuant to Saint Paul Legislative Code Section 13.06, do hereby issue the following Executive Order:
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-10 Declaring a Peacetime Emergency and Coordinating Minnesota’s Strategy to Protect Minnesotans from COVID-19” pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 12.31, Subd. 2. This Declaration has now expired.
WHEREAS, on March 15, 2020, Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter issued an Emergency Declaration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic” pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 12.29; which the City Council consented to on March 17, 2020. This Declaration has been extended and remains in effect.
WHEREAS, serious threats to health and safety of persons and other impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be felt in the City.
WHEREAS, businesses and individuals continue to suffer the economic impacts of the pandemic and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
WHEREAS, due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the City has increased its efforts to get individuals into shelter, which is putting a strain on shelter space.
WHEREAS, Saint Paul Leg. Code Chapter 13.06(b) provides that, “whenever necessary to meet an emergency … the mayor may by executive order promulgate regulations … for which adequate regulations have not been adopted … respecting the conduct of persons and the use of property during emergencies; the repair, maintenance and safeguarding of essential public services; emergency health, fire and safety regulations; and all other matters which are required to protect public safety, health and welfare in emergencies”.
WHEREAS, earlier this winter, the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasted a potent storm system which was forecasted to entail multiple hazards:
- Strong winds 30-40 mph, with gusts to 60 mph and tornadoes possible.
- Minor snow accumulation.
- Record warmth to sub-freezing temperatures which could result in flash freeze and icy spots on roads.
These and similar hazards are likely to occur throughout the winter and will place individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness at extreme risk.
WHEREAS, Ordinance 20-36, Section 2 allows “City officials authorized to arrange for the use of Freedom House as a temporary day-use service facility and winter weather sheltering facility for the unsheltered” but does not address severe weather such as tornadoes or high winds.
WHEREAS, the City has approved an expansion capacity for other shelters available to homeless individuals currently during cold weather emergencies.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Melvin Carter, Mayor of the City of Saint Paul, do hereby issue the following Emergency Executive Order:
- During any Extreme Weather Emergency, where there is an increased risk of harm due to weather conditions including heavy rainfall that may lead to general or localized flooding, tornadoes, blizzard conditions, high winds, or extreme cold or heat, shelters serving individuals or families are not required to seek permission from the City of Saint Paul to expand capacity to allow unsheltered or homeless individuals or families a safe place indoors during the described extreme weather emergency.
- Ordinance 20-36 is amended to allow emergency overnight use of shelters during any Extreme Weather Emergency including but not limited to December 15 and 16, 2021.
- The Mayor requests that all shelters serving unsheltered or homeless individuals or families expand their occupancy to accommodate such above-described extreme weather emergencies.
Pursuant to Chapter 13 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code, this Executive Order is in immediate effect upon my signature and, if not sooner rescinded or later extended, shall expire at the end of forty (40) days after its effective date or at the end of the declared local emergency to which it relates, whichever occurs first.
Executive Order January 21, 2022, 2022-8
EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER 2022-8
I, Melvin Carter III, Mayor of the City of Saint Paul, on January 21, 2022 pursuant to Saint Paul Legislative Code Section 13.06, do hereby issue the following Executive Order:
On March 13, 2020, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-10 Declaring a Peacetime Emergency and Coordinating Minnesota’s Strategy to Protect Minnesotans from COVID-19” pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 12.31, Subd. 2. This Declaration has now expired.
On March 15, 2020, Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter issued an Emergency Declaration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic” pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 12.29; which the City Council consented to on March 17, 2020. This Declaration has been extended and remains in effect.
WHEREAS, even though the spread of COVID-19 has slowed, and vaccinations are becoming widely available, serious threats to health and safety of persons and other impacts of the COVID- 19 pandemic continue to be felt in the City; and
WHEREAS, businesses continue to suffer the economic impacts of the pandemic and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future; and
WHEREAS, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 2 in 3 small businesses in Minnesota report at least a moderate negative impact on their business from the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, leisure and hospitality are some of the hardest hit sectors; and
WHEREAS, according to a Pew Center survey published March 5, 2021, among those who say their financial situation has gotten worse during the pandemic, 44% think it will take them three years or more to get back to where they were a year ago – including about one-in-ten who don’t think their finances will ever recover. Also, about half of workers who personally lost wages during the pandemic (49%) are still earning less money than before the coronavirus outbreak started; and
WHEREAS, in addition to action necessary to safeguard the health and safety of Saint Paul citizens, it remains necessary for the City to provide support to individuals and businesses alike to ensure that Saint Paul recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic disaster; and
Saint Paul Leg. Code Chapter 13.06(b) provides that, “whenever necessary to meet an emergency … the mayor may by executive order promulgate regulations … for which adequate regulations have not been adopted … respecting … “the conduct of persons and the use of property during emergencies; … and all other matters which are required to protect public safety, health and welfare in emergencies”.
During the course of the Declared Emergency, I have issued several Executive Orders, and the original basis for these orders has not changed:
- Executive Order 2021-24 (allowing inactive business licenses)
- Executive Order 2020-38 (waiver of zoning requirements for emergency shelters)
- Executive Order 2021-3 (regulating third-party food platforms)
- Executive Order 2021-22 (waiving requirements for certain outdoor uses)
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Melvin Carter III, Mayor of the City of Saint Paul, do hereby extend the following Emergency Executive Orders:
The following Executive Orders are extended without amendment:
- Executive Order 2021-24 (allowing inactive business licenses)
- Executive Order 2020-38 (waiver of zoning requirements for emergency shelters)
- Executive Order 2021-3 (regulating third-party food platforms)
- Executive Order 2021-22 (waiving requirements for certain outdoor uses)
Pursuant to Chapter 13 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code, the above listed Executive Orders remain in effect upon my signature and, if not sooner rescinded or later extended, shall expire at the end of forty (40) days after the effective date or at the end of the declared local emergency to which they relate, whichever occurs first.