Thu Jan 13, 2022 – 7:47 pm EST
MINNEAPOLIS (LifeSiteNews) – The cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have imposed a vaccine passport system to enter bars, restaurants and ticketed events.
Democrat Mayors Jacob Frey and Melvin Carter announced at a press conference that the mandate will go into effect on January 19 for bars and restaurants and January 26 for ticketed events, requiring patrons to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test that was procured in the past 72 hours from a doctor. Only PCR or antigen tests will be allowed under the mandates. The mandates were put in place to help combat a current surge in COVID-19 cases.
“This is a critical next step to avoid closures,” said Frey. “We want to stay open, and we need to stay safer.” Carter shared Frey’s sentiment, adding, “We know that the big difference between those early stages of the pandemic and today is that we have more tools in our toolbox than ever before. … We’re not helpless against the ongoing impacts of COVID-19.” The mayors cited their emergency powers in the imposition of the mandates.
The mandates also target stadiums, cinemas, bowling alleys, convention centers, and any other place that sells food or drinks. Exempt from the mandates are retail and grocery
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