With the numbers of COVID-19 growing, Governor Tim Walz has issued an Executive Order to mandate face masks in Minnesota. But what does that mean exactly? Just what is a Governor mandate and how is it enforced?
Is a governor mandate a law?
Executive orders issued by state governors are not the same as statutes passed by state legislatures but have the force of law, as in the federal system. A governor may issue an executive order during times of emergency like a natural disaster or in situations requiring immediate attention.
How is a governor mandate enforced?
Like any other law, an executive order is enforced by police officers. Starting July 25, 2020, people in the state of Minnesota are required to wear face covering in all public indoor spaces and businesses, unless alone. Workers are required to wear a face covering when working outdoors in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained. Failure to meet these requirements will have consequences that could include petty misdemeanor citations and fines.
For more information on the COVID-19 face cover executive order, please visit https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/facecover.html
If you have more questions or find yourself receiving one of these citations, please give us a call at 218-303-9549