Vaccine Mandates Lifted In Minneapolis, St. Paul

MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis and Saint Paul Thursday lifted their vaccine mandates. The decision to end the requirements — which were in effect at all city venues where food and drink are served — comes as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations plummet.

Businesses that want to enforce their own vaccine mandates can continue to do so. The mask mandates in Minneapolis and St. Paul will remain in effect.

"Key public health metrics are trending in the right direction," said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey in a news release.

"That is a welcomed sign for Minneapolis, especially for the small businesses and restaurants that have shouldered the weight of this pandemic. Let’s hold the momentum and bring our city back in full by continuing to follow public health guidance and supporting local businesses."

Hospitalizations, cases on a downward trend

• Minneapolis has a seven-day new case rate of 499 per 100,000 people
• When the mandate went in effect on Jan. 19, the seven-day new case rate exceeded 1,300 cases per 100,000 people

"We are grateful to be in a different place now than we were when this requirement first took effect," said Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter.

"While I encourage residents to continue to get vaccinated, wear masks, and practice social distancing while indoors, the sharp decline in cases and hospitalizations means we can safely lift the vaccine requirement in our city."

Meanwhile, up north, Duluth Mayor Emily Larson announced Wednesday that she intends to let the city's local state of emergency declaration and the city mask mandate expire Friday.

"It's my personal feeling that we are now moving into not how we beat COVID-19, but how we co-exist with it," Larson said.

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