Duluth To Require Masks In All City Buildings Effective May 23

The City of Duluth is once again requiring that masks be worn indoors in all city facilities.  The change back to masks is effective as of 4:30 PM on Monday, May 23 and is effective for everyone - regardless of vaccination status.  The move comes as COVID-19 numbers have risen dramatically in the Northland.

According to a statement released by the City of Duluth, the changes comes with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) listing St. Louis County 's COVID-19 community spread as 'high'.

Here is the email from the City of Duluth regarding the announcement:

City of Duluth Chief Administrative Officer Noah Schuchman explains:

"Earlier today, an email was sent to staff alerting them of this change.  This is not a decision that we make lightly, and is a short-term step which we feel is in the best interest of our staff, their families, and the public."

Even before the change back to masking, the City of Duluth encouraged residents to follow the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control in regard to the community spread of COVID-19.  Those guidelines include:

• Wearing a mask indoors in public
• Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
• Getting tested if you have symptoms
• Taking additional precautions that may be needed for people at high risk for severe illness

While the City of Duluth's directive came with a start date and time for the requirement of indoor masks in city buildings and facilities, it didn't come with an end date; the city has given no indication as to how long this new requirement will be mandated or enforced.