FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2022
Contact:
Kamal Baker
(763) 381-1335
kamal.baker@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Mayor Carter Lifts Mask Requirement for City-Controlled Facilities in Saint Paul, Effective Immediately
Requirement Lifts as Downward Trends Continue, and CDC Metrics Identify Low COVID-19 Community Level in Ramsey County
Saint Paul, MN - Today, Mayor Melvin Carter signed Executive Order 2022-17, rescinding Executive Order 2022-14, effectively lifting the mask requirement for City-controlled facilities in Saint Paul. The lifting of the mask requirement comes as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to trend downward, and as of March 3, 2022, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control identifies the COVID-19 Community Level in Ramsey County as Low, with reported cases per 100,000 at 118.11, hospital admissions per 100,000 at 6.1, and percentage of hospital beds occupied at 5.9%.
"We are entering a new, promising phase of our recovery,” said Mayor Carter. “While we still have work to do, I’m glad we are in the place to safely wind down emergency masking measures.”
Community Levels are based on hospital admissions, inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients, and total new cases in the past seven days. People in ‘Low’ Community Level counties may choose to wear a mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask. The City of Minneapolis will also lift its masking requirement today for City-managed buildings.
ABOUT EXECUTIVE ORDER 2022-17
Executive Order 2022-17 effectively lifts the mask requirement for City-controlled facilities in Saint Paul by rescinding Executive Order 2022-14 related to face coverings in City-Controlled Property, which includes the following 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.
- Athletes, performers, and supporting staff competing or performing at indoor spaces that are 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
View Executive Order 2022-17 here.
FIND A VACCINE PROVIDER
COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, ending up in the hospital, and even dying. As with vaccines for other diseases, people who are up to date are optimally protected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 5 years and older get their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines and receive a booster dose when eligible. Use the State’s Vaccine Locator Map to find a vaccine provider near you.
###