Minneapolis mandates COVID vaccines or regular testing for employees

Masks are mandatory for staff working in city and Hennepin County buildings, while residents are encouraged to mask indoors, according to a city news release.

September 8, 2021 at 10:46PM
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (Brian Peterson, Star Tribune file/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey signed an emergency regulation Wednesday requiring city employees to either get vaccinated or get tested regularly for COVID-19.

"Vaccines save lives," Frey said in a statement. "Our local government employees have been on the front lines of this pandemic, and Minneapolis has helped lead our state forward when it comes to data-driven public health measures."

Masks are mandatory for staff working in city and Hennepin County buildings, while residents are encouraged to mask indoors, according to a city news release. Minneapolis will continue to offer free masks for businesses and other organizations.

City employees trying to use their 2021 COVID-19 emergency sick leave because they are sick or quarantining and unable to work remotely must provide proof they were fully vaccinated before the absence from work, according to the emergency regulation.

SUSAN DU

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about the writer

Susan Du

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Susan Du covers the city of Minneapolis for the Star Tribune.

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