Wherever you do, you don’t have to wear a mask

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A woman wears a facial mask. (Photo by David Cliff / NurPhoto via Getty Images)

(FOX 9) – Starting July 25, Minnesota residents will need to cover their faces in all closed public spaces and businesses, unless they are alone.

The Department of Health says research has shown that the use of facial coatings can help reduce the risk of infection when combined with other prevention efforts, such as social distancing and hand hygiene.

Even in cases where masks are not required, the Governor’s new executive order recommends that people must wear masks at all times.

This is where you should wear a mask, where you don’t have to wear a mask, where a mask is recommended, and when you can temporarily remove the mask.

WHERE YOU SHOULD USE A MASK:

• In all public spaces, interiors and businesses, even when waiting outside to enter the space.
• On public transport, such as buses, trains, taxis, shared transport vehicles or vehicles that are used for commercial purposes.
• Workers: when they work outdoors where social distancing is not possible.
• When you are in an indoor or outdoor business that has chosen to require facial coatings.

WHERE YOU SHOULD NOT USE A MASK:

• When you are at home, in an assigned room or dwelling unit (for example, hotel or motel room) or other short or long-term housing unit.
• When in a private vehicle.
• Outdoors or participating in outdoor recreation.

WHEN YOU CAN TEMPORARILY REMOVE YOUR MASK:

• While eating or drinking, you can keep six feet of physical distance from other parts.
• When someone requests to verify your identity for legal purposes, such as ordering an alcoholic beverage or participating in certain events.
• By participating in an activity that will cover your face, such as swimming.
• While communicating with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing or with a medical condition, disability, or mental health condition that makes communication with that person difficult.
• While receiving a service, including dental or medical procedures or personal care services that cannot be performed with a mask.
• When alone, like working in an office or cubicle with walls higher than face level when maintaining social distance.
• Participating in organized sports where the level of effort makes it difficult to use a face covering.
• Indoor physical exercise, such as a gym or gym, where the level of effort makes it difficult to wear a mask, whenever social distancing is possible.
• When you testify, speak, sing, or perform indoors (for example, theaters, press conferences, court proceedings, or conferences) whenever social distancing is possible.
• During practices or performances when a mask gets in the way of playing a musical instrument.

WHEN STRONG RECOMMENDED TO USE A MASK:

• In any public space, outdoors or company, when social distancing is not possible.
• Private social gatherings.
• At home for people experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
• During organized sports activities if it is safe and practical.
• When you are at home or in a private vehicle when someone who is not a member of the same household is present.