Mask Guidance for Employees

Updated March 11, 2022

Mayor Carter issued Executive Order 2022-17, rescinding the mask requirement at City-controlled facilities. Employees and visitors are no longer required to wear masks in City-controlled facilities. Full information on Executive Order 2022-17 can be found here.  

The lifting of the mask requirement comes as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to trend downward, and as of March 3, 2022, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control identifies the COVID-19 Community Level in Ramsey County as Low, with reported cases per 100,000 at 118.11, hospital admissions per 100,000 at 6.1, and percentage of hospital beds occupied at 5.9%. 

People may choose to mask at any time. The decision on whether to mask or not are personal and should be respected. The City will continue providing masks to the public and employees who choose to wear masks in City run facilities. Departments should work with the Emergency Management Department to request additional masks as needed. Free masks (surgical, KN95, and N95) are typically available to the general public in pharmacies and clinics by request. 

The health and safety of our staff and the public continues to be a top priority for the City of Saint Paul. The most effective mitigations for COVID-19 remain in the control of each individual, including: 

  • Wearing an optional face covering at work. Surgical, KN95, and N95 masks provide the greatest protection against the spread of COIVD-19; 
  • Staying at least 6 feet apart from people, even while assisting them; 
  • Washing your hands with hot soap and water frequently; 
  • Refraining from touching your face with your hands;  
  • Monitoring your symptoms. If you feel sick, stay home, and test for COVID-19; and 
  • Getting vaccinated and boosted as recommended.  

We strongly encourage employees to continue monitoring COVID-19 Community Levels and determine prevention steps to take based on the latest data.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people with symptoms, a positive test, exposure to someone with COVID-19, at high risk for severe illness, or people in locations where there is a high COVID-19 transmission rate, should wear a well-fitted, high-quality mask. Masks options include: 

  • N95 or KN95 masks – shown to provide the highest levels of protection. 
  • Surgical masks 
  • A disposable mask under a cloth mask - also offers increased effectiveness. 
  • A cloth mask with at least two layers of tightly woven fabric.  

Like all guidance during the pandemic, information may be updated or changed in the future as the situation evolves. 

Additional Resources

Links below provide the current Ramsey County Public Health, CDC and MDH COVID-19 and mask use guidance.  

Last Edited: March 15, 2022