Hennepin County will no longer require masks in government buildings for vaccinated employees and visitors.
The County Board's vote Tuesday follows the lifting of the COVID-19 mask mandate in government buildings by the state, Minneapolis, St. Paul and Ramsey County. Masks still must be worn in health care settings, Metro Transit vehicles and in some school districts.
"This doesn't mean people can't elect to wear a mask," said Hennepin County Administrator David Hough. "As things change over the next several months, the safety plan can be modified."
The County Board also approved $100,000 in federal funding for a vaccine incentives program. It will partner with community groups to host vaccine events and support giving out free meals, groceries and entertainment.
"Vaccine incentive programs are designed to build trust and increase vaccination rates. This action is an opportunity to build on Minnesota's statewide vaccine incentive strategy in a way that's specifically tailored to the unique needs and concerns of Hennepin County residents," Commissioner Chris LaTondresse said. "For us, this means addressing vaccine disparities in our highest social vulnerability index ZIP codes."
Board Chair Marion Greene and Commissioner Irene Fernando voted against ending the mask mandate.
Fernando raised concerns about vaccine disparities for the county's most disadvantaged residents and the lack of vaccines for children younger than 12.
"I have gratitude for the progress we made, but have concerns about people using an honor system about vaccines and how the mask requirement will be equally enforced," she said.
