Faribault Chamber Mask Business Distribution is Thursday

The Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce will be distributing government-issued masks Thursday, July 30 from 7:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.  Each business will be allowed one representative to pick up their allotment of masks.

You might recall Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said last week when issuing his Executive Order mandating the use of masks in indoor public spaces that a distribution would occur through local Chamber of Commerce offices across the state.

All businesses, whether you are a member of the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce or not are encouraged to pick up their allotment of masks.  50 masks for each business in Rice County.

The Faribault Chamber says, "In order to equitably distribute masks to all Faribault area businesses free masks are limited."

The Chamber adds, "Masks (from a local supplier) will be available for purchase by both businesses and individuals during the distribution time.

Cost is $40 for 50 masks.

Government issued masks will not be sold.  Any remaining masks will be available on a first come, first served basis and not sold.

Executive Order 20-81 is a mandatory statewide mask order that went into effect at midnight on July 25, 2020.

The order requires people in Minnesota to wear a face covering in all public indoor spaces and indoor businesses, unless you are alone.

Additionally workers are required to wear a face covering when working outdoors in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained.

Types of face coverings can include a paper or disposable mask, cloth mask, neck gaiter, scarf, bandanna or a religious face covering.  The face covering must cover the nose and mouth completely.

A face covering is not a substitute for social distancing, but is especially important in situations when maintaining at least a 6 foot distance from other people who are not members of the same household is not possible."

Those exempted from the face covering requirement according to the Governor's Executive Order are:

• Children  under age 2 years.
• Children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old are not required but encouraged to wear a face covering when in public if they can do so reliably in compliance with CDC guidance on How to Wear Cloth Face Coverings.
• Persons who have medical or other health conditions, disabilities or mental health, developmental or behavioral needs that make it difficult to tolerate wearing a face covering.
• Any person who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, sleeping, incapacitated, or is otherwise unable to remove the face covering without assistance.
• Persons at their workplace when wearing a face covering would create a safety hazard to the person or others as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines.