Orders further support public health and safety alongside changes in public health guidance
Today, Mayor Carter announced two executive orders which will further support public health and safety alongside changes in public health guidance as Minnesota moves into Phase II of Stay Safe MN on June 1.
The executive orders include a facemask requirement for all city-controlled facilities, as well as businesses licensed in Saint Paul, and a set of business license measures that support restaurants and bars in maximizing their ability to leverage surrounding spaces for outdoor patio seating.
“Continuing to support our public health and safety as we reopen the economy and get all of us back to work is critical,” said Mayor Carter. “These measures expand the vital public health tools we can deploy and supports our restaurants and bars in leveraging every opportunity to reopen under Phase II of Stay Safe MN.”
Face masks in City-controlled facilities and license businesses
Executive Order 2020-09 requires facemasks to be worn indoors in all City-controlled facilities and at all businesses licensed by the City of Saint Paul at all times when social distancing of at least 6 feet is not maintained.
The order will apply to all individuals, except young children at risk of suffocation and persons who cannot medically tolerate wearing a face covering. Acceptable face coverings include manufactured or homemade cloth face coverings, and are not required to be medical-grade masks. Face coverings must fully cover a person’s nose and mouth.
All businesses in Saint Paul are also strongly encouraged to include a requirement that all individuals wear a face covering at all times when social distancing of at least 6 feet is not maintained in their COVID-19 Preparedness Plan under Governor Walz’ Executive Order 20-56.
Business license measures for restaurants and bars
Executive order 2020-10 includes a set of business license measures that will support restaurants and bars in maximizing their ability to leverage surrounding spaces for outdoor patio seating as allowed by Phase II of the Stay Safe MN plan. These measures include:
- The suspension of some off-street parking requirements for licensed restaurants and bars.
- Expediting the sidewalk cafe license application process for licensed restaurants and bars including simplification of the site plan review process and no additional fees required.
- Expediting the approval of plans for the use of parking areas for patio or sale space for licensed restaurants and bars.
- Expediting the review and approval of temporary road closures and use of park space for patio or sale space.
Detailed guidance and process information for businesses who are interested in learning more about these measures will be available Friday. Both orders take effect on June 1, 2020.
—Information provided by The City of Saint Paul.