Special Update
July 22, 2020
Statewide Mask Mandate
Governor Walz has issued Executive Order 20-81, calling for a statewide mask mandate that will go into effect on Saturday, July 25.

To help with compliance, state officials have released face covering recommendations and requirements. Some highlights include:
  • The public must now wear masks indoors, and outdoors when waiting in lines for service when social distancing is not possible.
  • Children under 5 and individuals with health conditions that make wearing a mask difficult are exempt.
  • Masks are required for workers indoors, and outdoors when they cannot maintain appropriate social distance. They are not required when individuals are working alone.
  • In restaurants, masks must be worn by all occupants when entering, moving about and leaving an establishment. They are not required while eating or drinking.
  • Businesses are encouraged to post clear signage to guests about the mandate. Businesses are not required, though may elect, to refuse service to a patron not wearing a mask.

The State will be distributing 4 million disposable masks through local chambers of commerce across the state. Contact your local chamber if you would like a supply of disposable masks for patrons who don't have one with them.

Hospitality Minnesota Position

In anticipation of the mandate, which has been expected for weeks, the Hospitality Minnesota Board of Directors weighed in on this organization's position and we have released the following statement:

Hospitality Minnesota supports every effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 so that the public remains healthy and our businesses can remain open and expand capacity. Hospitality businesses have worked hard to implement, promote and adhere to the Reopening Guidance, which has required that all staff wear face masks and encouraged guests to do the same. A mandate does help create a uniform standard and minimize confusion. We will continue to make every effort to encourage member businesses, workers and guests to keep each other safe by following the Guidance, including the call for wearing masks, social distancing and heightened sanitation.
Our Member Updates are generally sent to members only. In the interest of public health and the health of our industry, we encourage you to share this update widely. Additional resources can be found on our  website  and through our social media posts on   Facebook , LinkedIn  and  Twitter .