While we’re all for individual and civil liberties, it should also come as no surprise that we really believe in following the science if we hope to get a handle on the coronavirus pandemic, and time and time again the science is saying that masks help to slow the spread. We understand that many small businesses wouldn’t be able to handle another indefinite shutdown, so if we’re going to keep businesses open, we have to be smart when we’re out in public, and the best way to do that is to wear a mask.
To help slow the transmission of the virus, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced last week that masks would be mandatory in certain settings. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at the rules for wearing a mask in Minnesota.
Who Needs To Wear A Mask
According to Executive Order 20-81, the following rules have been put in place in regards to mask wearing when you’re out in public:
- All individuals are required to wear a mask in indoor businesses
- All individuals are required to wear a mask in public indoor spaces
- Workers are required to wear masks in outdoor situations where social distancing can’t be achieved
As you might imagine, there are some exceptions to these rules. Children under the age of two should not wear a mask, and children between the ages of 2-5 are encouraged to wear a mask, but not required. People who have medical or other health conditions, disabilities or mental health, developmental, or behavioral needs that make it difficult to tolerate wearing a face covering are not required to wear a mask either. Finally, if a mask would make work conditions unsafe, they are not required.
The executive order also states that individuals who are not in compliance with the order could face a fine in the form of a petty misdemeanor citation. Businesses that refuse to comply can face increased fines and even criminal charges, but it seems unlikely that we’ll hear many stories about actual fines being handed out. In most cases, warnings will be handed out well before a fine or criminal charges are levied.
At the end of the day, the great Ben Franklin once said, “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” Anti-maskers may say that we are sacrificing our individual liberty to forgo wearing a mask for some unconfirmed safety, but that’s simply not true. You’re required to wear a shirt, shoes and pants to enter many businesses, and you can’t just defecate in the streets because it’s your God given right to go as you please. These similar rules and regulations have been in place for generations, and they are in place to help keep us healthy and prevent the spread of germs. A temporary mask mandate is no different, so just do your part for the greater good and realize that this mask mandate isn’t the first public health requirement that has been put in place in a civilized society. Do your part, help us slow the spread, and let’s stop being a worldwide embarrassment for how we’re handling COVID-19.
