HF 10

as introduced - 91st Legislature, 2020 3rd Special Session (2020 - 2020) Posted on 08/12/2020 12:01pm

A bill for an act
relating to public health; requiring a facial covering at certain times.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin PURPOSE.
new text end

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

Sec. 2. new text begin FACIAL COVERING (FACE MASK) REQUIRED.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Requirement. new text end

new text begin In order to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and to
protect the health and safety of the public, all persons in Minnesota must wear a facial
covering (face mask) that covers their nose and mouth while they are in indoor public spaces
and outdoor public spaces where social distancing of six feet cannot be maintained. Indoor
public spaces include but are not limited to: stores; restaurants, including take-out; public
transportation; taxis; ride-sharing services; work places; pharmacies; doctors' offices; dental
offices; and businesses.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Exception. new text end

new text begin The requirement in subdivision 1 does not apply to children under
8 years of age or to persons with a medical condition that makes breathing while wearing
a facial covering difficult.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Refusing service. new text end

new text begin A business may refuse service to any person not wearing a
facial covering unless the person has a medical condition exempting the person from wearing
a facial covering.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment and
remains in effect until the commissioner of health declares that wearing a facial covering
is no longer necessary for public health.
new text end