July 22, 2020

 

Dear community,

 

Today, Governor Walz announced Executive Order 20-81, requiring Minnesotans, except children under age 5 or those with a medical condition, to wear masks in restaurants, stores, and other public indoor gathering spaces. This order will go into effect this Saturday, July 25.

 

As Minnesota reopens and the Governor relaxes restrictions on gathering in spaces of public accommodation, it is critical for the health and safety of all Minnesotans that we all comply with this new executive order. While we are all learning about the nuances of COVID-19 as they develop, consistent evidence has emerged that masks, when worn properly, reduce the risk of spreading aerosolized viral particles from person to person, including individuals who are asymptomatic but can still spread the coronavirus to others. Masks provide a physical barrier to respiratory droplets that prevents them from entering the air when a person is talking, singing, coughing or sneezing. While N95 and medical-grade masks meet federal safety standards, any type of cloth facial covering worn in public, especially when physical distancing is not possible, can provide additional protection to both the wearer and anyone else who encounters that person.

 

Wearing masks will not replace other measures to protect us from the spread of COVID-19. Instead, it is one of the tools that public health officials, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have recommended to help slow the transmission of the virus when combined with other measures like social distancing and frequent hand washing. All of these strategies are critical to protecting our most vulnerable community members, as many employees return to work in retail, manufacturing, and service industry sectors. Wearing a facial covering over our nose and mouth in public spaces ensures that our families, neighbors, and elders in our community are protected from transmission of the coronavirus. To protect the health and safety of those around us, we must each do our part to decrease the risk of exposure for all Minnesotans during this global public health crisis.

 

Owing to the scientific evidence that has emerged over the last several months, we applaud Governor Walz for issuing a mask requirement. We ask that you do the right thing and wear a mask when necessary—in restaurants, stores, and other public indoor gathering spaces as stated by Executive Order 20-81. Our shared sacrifice is most certainly worth the reward of getting back to our lives.

 

Thank you for doing your part to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Please do not hesitate to call on our office if you have questions regarding Executive Order 20-81.

 

Regards,

 

Sia's Signature

Sia Her

651-757-1741

 

 

Mission: "The Council works toward economic, social, legal, and political equality for Minnesotans of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) heritage. "

 

658 Cedar Street Suite 160

Saint Paul, MN 55155 

651-757-1740

 

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