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Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Governor Tim Walz yesterday announced the cancellation of the statewide mask mandate but the City of Rochester is still requiring masks inside its facilities.

A news release issued Friday says the city is maintaining current COVID-19 safety protocols that include requiring face coverings and social distancing by employees and members of the public inside city-operated facilities. The city is currently reviewing and evaluating those safety protocols in light of the new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that says wearing a mask and social distancing is not required by fully vaccinated individuals.

Drivers and riders on Rochester Public Transit buses are also still required to wear facemasks under a TSA Security Directive. The occupancy of the buses is also still limited to 50 percent.

Officials are also reminding the public that next Monday's meeting of the Rochester City Council will be the first in over a year that will be open for in-person attendance by the public. Spacing requirements mean the number of seats available will be very limited and all attendees will be required to wear face coverings.

The cancellation of the statewide face mask requirement has left the City of Rochester without a citywide mask mandate but officials note that individual businesses retain the right to require masks and other COVID-19 safety measures. The news release also states that a new or renewed citywide mask mandate would require the approval of the City Council.

News Update:  Minnesota Following CDC Guidance and Dropping Mask Mandate

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