Minneapolis, St. Paul Lift Mask Mandates

MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey Thursday lifted the citywide mask requirement, which had been enforced since Jan. 5. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter also ended his city's mask requirement.

The regulations required people to wear a mask in areas of "public accommodation" such as bars, restaurants, stadiums, schools, and stores.

"Today, the Twin Cities has good reason to be hopeful for the future, and I know that our residents will continue stepping up for one another as we navigate this next phase together," Frey said in a news release.

"While Minneapolis is experiencing a sustained downward trend in case and hospitalization rates, our public health team will continue closely monitoring relevant data – and that data will continue guiding policy decisions going forward."

COVID-19 infection rates across Minnesota have been dropping rapidly since the omicron variant peaked earlier this month.

Masks are still required in buildings owned and operated by the city of Minneapolis.