COVID-19 vaccinations or negative tests required to enter food or drink establishments
Starting Jan. 19, everyone entering an establishment that serves food or drink in Minneapolis must show proof of either being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or having a negative PCR or antigen test taken within three days. This requirement shall become effective Jan. 26 for any space of public accommodation while holding a ticketed event. Today, Mayor Jacob Frey signed emergency regulation No. 2022-4.
COVID-19 vaccines dramatically reduce the likelihood of serious complications from COVID and have been shown in recent studies to reduce spread by people who don’t have symptoms. Complementing the Jan. 6 requirement for wearing masks in most public places, this emergency regulation aims to protect residents and workers, reduce pressure on hospitals, and help keep schools and businesses open.
Businesses and people covered by the order
This vaccine mandate applies to places that serve food or drink including:
- Indoor restaurant spaces, coffee shops, cafes within larger spaces (for example, museum cafes, gyms).
- Bars.
- Sports venues that serve food or drink for onsite consumption.
- Entertainment venues such as theaters and bowling alleys that serve food or drink for onsite consumption.
- Conventions (if food is being served), catering halls and food courts (if the area is exclusive to a specific restaurant).
Does this apply to employees?
Employers should follow OSHA standards relating to employee vaccination status and testing at covered locations, regardless of the number of their employees. In general, the current OSHA standard is that employers require employees to show proof of vaccination or undergo weekly testing.
Exceptions
Exceptions include children under age 2, who cannot be tested easily for COVID-19; athletes, performers and supporting staff (such as coaches, trainers, road crew) competing or performing at any space of public accommodation; K-12 and early childcare settings; hospitals; congregate care facilities or other residential or healthcare facilities; locations that provide takeout service only; food or drink as part of a religious practice; outdoor spaces; grocery stores, convenience stores and other establishments that primarily sell food and other articles for offsite use except in seated dining areas within those stores; and soup kitchens and other sites serving vulnerable populations (e.g., People Serving People).
People should call 311 to report violations.
More information is available on the City website.
Mask requirement
Everyone in Minneapolis businesses and areas of public accommodation must also wear a mask as of Jan. 6. Mayor Jacob Frey signed emergency regulation No. 2022-1 reinstating the citywide mask policy, which requires patrons, employees and visitors to wear a mask in businesses and places of public accommodation. Find more information about the mask requirement on the City website.
Temporary business expansion
Businesses may temporarily expand their premises to keep their workers and customers safer during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Find more information about emergency regulation No. 2022-2 on the City website.
How to get your free shot:
- Use the State’s Vaccine Locator Map to find a vaccine provider near you.
- Check for vaccine appointments at Vaccines.gov, where you can search for appointments by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer).
- Contact your primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.
- Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline at 1-833-431-2053 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays.
