Gov. Tim Walz orders statewide face mask mandate to prevent Covid-19 spread

Gov. Tim Walz signed a long-anticipated statewide face mask mandate Wednesday afternoon requiring Minnesotans to wear masks inside publicly accessible places. The mandate goes into effect Saturday. People who violate the order are considered guilty of a petty misdemeanor and can be punished with a fine up to $100. Businesses can be fined up to $1,000 and can face jail time for violating the order. Indoor businesses, public transit, high schools and colleges are all included in the order, while…