List of cities, businesses lifting mask requirement, and those keeping it

Minnesota's mask mandate is being repealed on Friday.

Author:: Adam Uren
Updated:: May 18, 2021
Original:: May 14, 2021

face mask — Photo by Arturo Rey on Unsplash

With Gov. Tim Walz lifting the statewide mask mandate on Friday, those who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 no longer need to wear masks indoors except for in a few situations.

The announcement, which came after CDC guidance was issued Thursday, brings an end to almost 10 months of a statewide indoor mask-wearing requirement, though it has prompted concerns that the move will encourage those who have not been vaccinated not to wear masks while indoors.

In response to the measure, some Twin Cities businesses such as Rosedale Center have said they will lift their own face mask requirements now the order has been lifted.

But businesses and local governments are still able to implement their own mask requirements, and a number have already confirmed they will continue to do so for now.

Here's a look at those who are dropping or keeping the mask requirements for vaccinated individuals, which will be updated as more announce.

Those lifting the mask requirement

Aldi: "After careful review of the latest CDC guidance and thoughtful discussions with teams across our organization, we have decided to amend our COVID-19 safety procedures. Effective Tuesday, May 18, we will no longer mandate the use of face coverings for customers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless required by state or local jurisdictions. We require that unvaccinated customers continue all appropriate safety precautions, including wearing masks and physically distancing, to protect themselves and others. Effective May 26, ALDI employees who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to wear a face covering. There may also be local conditions, regulatory changes or laws that affect our guidance."

Best Buy: Has lifted mask requirement for vaccinated customers, except in locations with local mandates.

Caribou Coffee: Will not require customers to wear face masks, except in locations with local mandates.

City of Edina: Has brought an end to its citywide mask mandate.

City of Duluth: Has brought an end to its citywide mask mandate.

City of Rochester: Has brought an end to its citywide mask mandate.

Costco: Vaccinated shoppers do not have to wear masks in states and cities where there is no mandate.

Cub Foods: "After careful review, CUB is removing its face covering requirement effective immediately for vaccinated customers and employees at all locations, unless a local municipality dictates otherwise." (So stores in Minneapolis and St. Paul will still require masks).

Galleria, Edina: "Galleria will no longer require face coverings for fully vaccinated individuals to enter the property. Each individual Galleria retailer can still implement specific rules for their space, and we ask that shoppers be prepared and considerate of individual store/restaurant requirements."

The Minnesota Twins: "The Minnesota Twins announced today that, effective immediately, all guests at Target Field are strongly encouraged, but not required, to wear face coverings while in the ballparks' outdoor spaces, except when actively eating or drinking."

Rosedale Center, Roseville: "Our top priority is the safety of our shoppers, tenants, and employees at Rosedale Center and we are excited to have you visit! In accordance with the State of Minnesota, we ask all tenants and guests to be safe and take personal responsibility for their health and safety. Each retailer/restaurant may have their own policies in place."

Scott County: "In following the Governor’s direction, Scott County will not be instituting its own mask mandate, either as a local government or employer."

Target: Target will no longer require fully vaccinated guests and team members to wear face coverings in our stores, except where it’s required by local ordinances.

Trader Joe's: Fully vaccinated shoppers will not be required to wear masks, employees will still wear masks.

University of Minnesota: The mask mandate is lifted "for those vaccinated," for masks not required on campus even though Minneapolis and St. Paul mandates remain in place.

Walmart/Sam's Club: Vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks in "our stores, clubs, distribution centers, fulfillment centers and offices", except in cities where they still have a mask mandate (ie. Minneapolis, St. Paul).

Those keeping mask requirements for now

City of Minneapolis: Is maintaining its mask mandate as it reviews the new CDC guidance – meaning masks must still be worn in all indoor spaces except for when eating or drinking.

City of St. Paul: Has temporarily reimplemented its mask mandate, which had lapsed due to the statewide mandate, in the wake of Walz's announcement, so is in the same situation as Minneapolis.

CVS: "We’re currently evaluating its position on masks given this new guidance. Until that evaluation is complete, the existing company policies on face coverings and maintaining social distance in stores and clinics remain in effect for customers, colleagues, and vendors.”

Essentia Health: The health care provider will continue to require universal masking for patients, visitors and staff. This applies to its facilities in Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota.

Home Depot: Still requires face masks to be worn, according to ABC 4.

Hy-Vee: "We are evaluating our protocols with this new information that came out yesterday, but we are maintaining status quo for now as we make additional decisions."

Lunds & Byerlys: "As we evaluate new guidance and mandates on a local, state and national level, we will continue to require our staff and customers to wear face coverings at this time. We will also continue to practice many additional safety measures we’ve implemented early in the pandemic, including even more frequent cleaning and sanitizing, social distancing, plexiglass barriers at our registers and pre-shift wellness screenings for our staff.

For customers who prefer not to wear a face covering while shopping, we welcome the opportunity to serve you via our online shopping service at LundsandByerlys.com."

Mall of America, Bloomington: "While the CDC has issued new mask guidelines, we want to take some time to fully understand the impact and make thoughtful decisions that protect our team members, tenants, and guests."

Mischief Toy Store, St. Paul: "All due respect to [Gov. Tim Walz] but you’re still gonna have to wear a mask in Mischief Toy Store. Many of our customers are children." (Note: St. Paul has re-issued its citywide mandate, so mask-wearing indoors is required anyway).