January 15, 2022 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – Today City of Rochester, MN Mayor Kim Norton signed a Declaration of Local Emergency requiring masks to be worn in all indoor areas accessible to the public by all individuals, regardless of their vaccination status. This requirement begins on at 6 am January 16, 2022 and will be in effect until 11:59 pm on February 7, 2022, unless rescinded sooner.
Click here for a Frequently Asked Questions document about this mask mandate, including answers to questions about exemptions and enforcement.
This requirement is going into effect due to the rapid spread of the Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV2 in Olmsted County. Local case counts are higher than they have ever been during the course of the pandemic and is causing significant stresses for the local healthcare system, both from volume of patients as well as the level of sickness experienced by health care providers themselves.
Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), correct and consistent mask use is a critical step everyone can take to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19. Given the extreme transmissibility of the Omicron Variant, use of a surgical mask or KN95/N95 is strongly recommended because of their ability to provide higher levels of protection. Individuals can learn how to choose the best option for them based on their exposure risks on the CDC website.
The City of Rochester strongly encourages all eligible individuals to be vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. Vaccines dramatically reduce hospitalizations and death from coronavirus infections. COVID-19 vaccinations are free and readily available in Olmsted County for individuals aged 5 and up. Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and find an appointment on the Olmsted County Public Health website or the State of Minnesota’s COVID-19 Vaccine Connector.
City leaders thank all Rochester residents and visitors for doing their part by wearing masks indoors. This action will protect the health of our community and allow businesses to provide valuable services with minimal interruption over this brief period.
“Masks Required” signage for businesses/organizations is available in an English version and a multi-lingual version.
The latest City news and information regarding COVID-19 can be found by visiting this webpage.
