Protect Yourself and Others

Slow the Spread

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.

Distancing

• Stay home as much as possible.
• Stay at least 6 feet from other people if you are in public places.
• Telework if you can.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you are 65 and older or have certain underlying medical conditions, stay at home and avoid situations where you could be exposed, including travel.

Masks and Face Coverings
Face coverings, often called masks, can help stop your germs from infecting others. Research has shown that wearing masks reduces the risk of infection, especially when combined with other prevention efforts such as washing your hands often and staying 6 feet away from others.

As of July 25, 2020, per the Governor's Executive Order, people in Minnesota will be required to wear a face covering in all indoor businesses and public indoor spaces, unless you are alone.
Face Covering Requirements and Recommendations under Executive Order 20-81

There are people who may not be able to wear face coverings for a variety of reasons and you may not be able to tell why just by looking at a person. Unless you are a business responsible for ensuring worker and customer compliance with the Executive Order, do not report other people to state or local authorities, including law enforcement.  

To report violations by businesses: Contact one of the agencies listed below, if applicable. 

• To ask questions or report violations of this Executive Order that relate to worker health and safety: Contact the Department of Labor and Industry by email at osha.compliance@state.mn.us or by phone at 651-284-5050 or 1-877-470-6742.
• To ask other workplace-related questions about this Executive Order: Contact the Department of Employment and Economic Development using the form on Questions about Returning to Work.
• To report violations by restaurants and food service establishments, pools, or lodging services: Follow the instructions on MDH Online Complaint Form.   In some instances, you may need to contact a local public health agency to report your complaint.  Refer to the “Before reporting a complaint” section on the above webpage or to the Minnesota State and Local Food, Pools and Lodging Contacts (PDF) to determine whether a local public health agency is the right contact for your area.
• For general questions about face covering requirements or COVID-19: Contact the Minnesota Department of Health by phone at 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504, or submit an inquiry using the "Have a Question?  We're Here to Help", online form.

Want More Information?
If you have further questions regarding COVID-19, there are a number of links listed below.  
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
Strategies to Slow the Spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota
“How to Protect Yourself.”
Coronavirus Disease 2019