1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to public health; requiring a facial covering at certain times.
1.3 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.4 	Section 1. PURPOSE.
 1.5 	A recent study by the Institute for Health Metric and Evaluation at the University of 
1.6 	Washington projected that if most Americans wear a face mask, the projected death toll 
1.7 	from the coronavirus would be reduced by 45,000 lives between now and November. In 
1.8 	addition to saving lives, wearing a mask is the most effective means of enabling businesses 
1.9 	to reopen and remain open.

1.10 	Sec. 2. FACIAL COVERING (FACE MASK) REQUIRED.
 1.11 		Subdivision 1.Requirement. In order to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and to 
1.12 	protect the health and safety of the public, all persons in Minnesota must wear a facial 
1.13 	covering (face mask) that covers their nose and mouth while they are in indoor public spaces 
1.14 	and outdoor public spaces where social distancing of six feet cannot be maintained. Indoor 
1.15 	public spaces include but are not limited to: stores; restaurants, including take-out; public 
1.16 	transportation; taxis; ride-sharing services; work places; pharmacies; doctors' offices; dental 
1.17 	offices; and businesses.
1.18 		Subd. 2.Exception. The requirement in subdivision 1 does not apply to children under 
1.19 	8 years of age or to persons with a medical condition that makes breathing while wearing 
1.20 	a facial covering difficult.
2.1 		Subd. 3.Refusing service. A business may refuse service to any person not wearing a 
2.2 	facial covering unless the person has a medical condition exempting the person from wearing 
2.3 	a facial covering.

2.4 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and 
2.5 	remains in effect until the commissioner of health declares that wearing a facial covering  
2.6 	is no longer necessary for public health.