ROCHESTER, Minn. – A mask mandate went into effect in all indoor areas accessible to the public by all individuals, regardless of their vaccination status. The mandate was ordered by Mayor Kim Norton due, she said, “to the rapid spread of the omicron variant of SARS-CoV2 in Olmsted County.” Norton said that local case counts are highest since the pandemic began. She She expressed concern about significant stresses for the local healthcare system from CoVid case loads. She weas specific on places where masks are required:
> Restaurants and bars.
> Retail businesses.
> Public transportation.
> Gyms, fitness centers and sports facilities.
> Entertainment venues.
Among a few exceptions:
> Children 2 and younger.
> In the process of drinking or eating.
> Public speakers so long as they remain six feet distant.
> Communicating with someone hard of hearing.
Norton. Mayor orders face-coverings in Rochester.