Minnesota News and Outreach

Face Covering Recommendations

On May 14, 2021, Governor Walz announced Executive Order 21-23, ending Minnesota's statewide face covering requirement. Although there is no longer a statewide requirement in most settings, other federal, state, or local laws may require face coverings in some settings. Businesses may set their own requirements.

CDC requires face coverings on buses, trains, trolleys, subways, ride-shares, maritime transportation, air travel, and other public transportation. Visit CDC: Requirement for Face Masks on Public Transportation Conveyances and at Transportation Hubs.

In addition, health care settings – including long-term care – may be required by federal, state, and/or local regulatory authorities to require face coverings in certain situations.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommend that anyone who is not fully vaccinated continue to wear face coverings indoors in businesses, public settings, and when around people from other households, as well as outdoors when social distancing cannot be maintained.

Face coverings are also strongly recommended in the following situations:

In settings where there is a high risk of COVID-19 spread or complications from COVID-19 infection such as health care settings, homeless shelters, and correctional facilities.

For people who have symptoms of COVID-19.

Visit Face Covering Requirements and Recommendations for more information.

Roll Up Your Sleeves, Minnesota Families!

Minnesotans 12 to 15 years old and their families are being prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination at the state’s Mall of America community vaccination site. Families are encouraged to walk-in or schedule an appointment at Mall of America Community Vaccination Program.

Minnesotan’s ages 12-15 can get the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at community sites in Oakdale, Lino Lakes, and at Roy Wilkins Auditorium as well: COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program.

12-15-year-olds must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

16-17-year-olds must receive permission from a parent or guardian, either in person through being accompanied by a parent or guardian, or online beforehand through the appointment scheduling and registration process.

Families are highly encouraged to join 12-17-year-olds and get vaccinated at the same time.

Minnesotans can also Find Vaccine Locations and sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies near them.

Get your kids vaccinated! Children ages 12 and older are now eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Stay Safe MN

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Materials

We are adding new videos, print materials, and translated documents often. Check out the pages below to view, download, or print these resources.

The situation is changing rapidly. Visit Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for the most up-to-date information and follow MDH on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram to stay informed.

What's New

Protect Yourself and Others

Protect Yourself & Others by following recommendations to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Getting vaccinated is one of the best things you can do to prevent getting or spreading COVID-19.

If you are not fully vaccinated (including children):

Keep at least 6 feet away from people from other households.

Wear a mask when recommended by MDH or CDC: Face Covering Requirements and Recommendations.

If you are fully vaccinated, learn more at About COVID-19 Vaccine: For fully vaccinated people.

Vaccinated or not vaccinated, MDH strongly recommends that you:

Wash your hands often, with soap and water. Wash for at least 20 seconds.

If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.

Follow guidance on staying home (quarantine) if you were exposed to someone who has COVID-19. People who are fully vaccinated may not need to quarantine in many situations.

Stay home if you are sick.

Cover your cough.

Follow COVID-19 testing recommendations for when you travel, have COVID-19 symptoms, or are exposed to COVID-19.

Work from home if possible.

Clean and then disinfect surfaces.

If you are hosting or attending a gathering, follow the requirements and recommendations on Safer Celebrations during COVID-19: Holidays and Other Gatherings.

Community Testing Site Updates

Mankato:

The last day of testing at the former Gander Mountain site will be May 23. Testing at Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center will begin on June 7. The new location will be open Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

St. Cloud:

No testing at River's Edge Convention Center May 24-31. Testing resumes June 1.

Worthington:

The last day of testing at the Worthington Event Center site will be May 23.

COVID-19 Community Testing

All community testing sites will be closed May 30-31 in observance of Memorial Day.

Visit COVID-19 Community Testing Sites to find other locations or schedule an appointment. Order an at-home saliva test at no cost: COVID-19 Test at Home.