Minneapolis Once Again Recommending Masks For Indoor Public Spaces

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minneapolis Health Department is once again recommending residents wear masks when inside stores, theaters, stadiums, and other public settings due to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

There is no city-wide mandate to wear masks. However, private businesses can set their own rules.

The city is now in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's high transmission community category. Since mid-March, the seven-day case rate in Minneapolis has increased from 51 COVID-19 infections per 100,000 people to 227 per 100,000, marking a 340 percent spike

Hospitalizations have also risen since March, up from 1.9 hospitalizations per 100,000 people to 4.8 hospitalizations.

City health officials are offering the following tips to avoid the virus:

• Find a vaccine near you
• Wear well-fitting masks
• Get tested if you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19
• Stay home if you’re sick
• Wash your hands frequently
• Avoid crowds
• Improve ventilation where you live and work