The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now recommending masks be worn indoors by all people in counties that are reporting substantial or high levels of community transmission of COVID-19.

As of today, eighty of Minnesota's eighty-seven counties meet that criteria. The revised guidance comes as concerns grow regarding a nationwide spike in delta variant COVID-19 infections.

A few weeks ago the CDC announced that it was recommending vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals alike return to wearing masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the delta variant of the coronavirus is fueling infection surges.

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This Week's Minnesota Counties Now Recommended for Indoor Masks

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The CDC Recommends Indoor Mask Wearing in These Central Minnesota Counties This Week

  • Benton County (substantial risk)
  • Douglas County (high risk)
  • Kandiyohi County (high risk)
  • Meeker County (high risk)
  • Mille Lacs County (substantial risk)
  • Morrison County (substantial risk)
  • Pope County (high risk)
  • Sherburne County (substantial risk)
  • Stearns County (substantial risk)
  • Todd County (high risk)
  • Wright County (substantial risk)

In the Twin Cities metro area, Anoka and Hennepin Counties are at 'high risk,' with the rest of the metro categorized as 'substantial risk.'

Handful of Minnesota Counties Not Included in the CDC Mask Recommendation

  • Cook County (moderate risk)
  • Lake County (moderate risk)
  • Lac Qui Parle County (moderate rosk)
  • Mahnomen County (moderate risk)
  • Martin County (moderate risk)
  • Pipestone County (low risk)
  • Willkin County (moderate risk)
Centers for Disease Control
Centers for Disease Control
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The State of Minnesota is now offering a $100 Visa gift card to unvaccinated individuals 12 and older who get their first COVID-19 vaccination dose through this Sunday (8/15).

The Centers for Disease Control is also recommending that all K-12 students, teachers, staff and visitors wear masks inside school buildings to start the new school year, regardless of vaccination status.

The University of Minnesota has announced that everyone indoors on campus (vaccinated & unvaccinated) must wear a mask. SCSU is planning on following that plan. CSB/SJU is requiring vaccinations.

Target and Cub Foods have announced that all employees are required to wear masks. The State of Minnesota is requiring the same for its employees.

CHECK IT OUT: Here's how to stop your glasses from fogging while wearing a face mask

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