Even Though Statewide Mask Mandate Is Lifted, Health Leaders Have Mixed Feelings

Minnesota’s mask mandate has been lifted, but that doesn’t mean that some top health leaders aren’t worried about the potential impact the decision could have on the vaccination push, as well as more vulnerable communities in the state.

After Gov. Tim Walz announced he’d drop the statewide requirement for masking during the pandemic following updated CDC guidance, Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm stepped up to the podium.

10:26 MALCOLM: I have really mixed feelings about this. I certainly agree with the governor that there is good news here.

Malcolm said it’s been found that the vaccine is enormously effective in not only preventing illness and death, but has also been found to prevent asymptomatic illness.. Which means those vaccinated aren’t putting others at risk unknowingly.

11:09 MALCOLM: I think it’s important that people understand what the guidance is. It means people who are fully vaccinated are free to go back to activities we were doing before the pandemic.

However, Malcolm notes that there are still many who are not vaccinated in the state, and that’s concerning. Around 61% of those ages 16 and up have gotten at least one dose so far.

MALCOLM: 61% is not nearly enough to keep this virus suppressed, so we continue to advise those who are not vaccinated to take precautions.

Malcolm said that minority populations are not being vaccinated at the rate of their white counterparts, so getting the vaccine to these communities is even more important.

In an effort to address and improve equity in the vaccination push, the state will be partnering with private health plans, like Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and HealthPartners, to reach Minnesotans enrolled in Minnesota health care programs such as Medical Assistance and Minnesotacare. The effort will also focus on getting doses to people who live in the most socially vulnerable zip codes.

Minnesota’s mask mandate has been lifted, but that doesn’t mean that some top health leaders aren’t worried about the potential impact the decision could have on the vaccination push, as well as more vulnerable communities in the state.

After Gov. Tim Walz announced he’d drop the statewide requirement for masking during the pandemic following updated CDC guidance, Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm stepped up to the podium.

10:26 MALCOLM: I have really mixed feelings about this. I certainly agree with the governor that there is good news here.

Malcolm said it’s been found that the vaccine is enormously effective in not only preventing illness and death, but has also been found to prevent asymptomatic illness.. Which means those vaccinated aren’t putting others at risk unknowingly.

11:09 MALCOLM: I think it’s important that people understand what the guidance is. It means people who are fully vaccinated are free to go back to activities we were doing before the pandemic.

However, Malcolm notes that there are still many who are not vaccinated in the state, and that’s concerning. Around 61% of those ages 16 and up have gotten at least one dose so far.

MALCOLM: 61% is not nearly enough to keep this virus suppressed, so we continue to advise those who are not vaccinated to take precautions.

Malcolm said that minority populations are not being vaccinated at the rate of their white counterparts, so getting the vaccine to these communities is even more important.

In an effort to address and improve equity in the vaccination push, the state will be partnering with private health plans, like Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and HealthPartners, to reach Minnesotans enrolled in Minnesota health care programs such as Medical Assistance and Minnesotacare. The effort will also focus on getting doses to people who live in the most socially vulnerable zip codes.