Following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and in alignment with Hennepin County, the City of Brooklyn Park has issued new face covering guidance in public areas of city facilities for city staff and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. All city employees will be required to wear face coverings in these areas starting Friday, August 6, 2021. Members of the public will be required to wear face coverings in city facilities starting Tuesday, August 10, 2021.
Face coverings will be required in public areas of city facilities such as hallways, lobbies and the ice arena bleachers. Face coverings will not be required in locker rooms, rented rooms in the Community Activity Center or while skating on ice rinks. Face coverings will also not be required for members of the public at city facilities that are operated or managed by third parties, such as Edinburgh USA Golf Course and The Brooklyn restaurant, unless otherwise required by the third party.
This policy has been amended as of Friday, August 13, 2021.
Why a Mask?
To maximize protection from the delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, the CDC recommend wearing masks indoors for all people—including those who have been fully vaccinated—in areas where transmission rates are substantial (50 to 100 cases per 100,000 over seven days) or high (100 or more cases per 100,000). According to the CDC, the seven-day transmission rate in Hennepin County as of July 31 is 65.65.
Wearing a mask is most important if you have a weakened immune system or if, because of your age or an underlying medical condition, you are at increased risk for severe disease, or if someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated. If this applies to you or your household, you might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission in your area. You should continue to wear a mask where required by laws, rules, regulations, or local guidance.
Other Measures We Are Taking to Keep You Safe
The city has used funds from the federal government to upgrade the air exchange systems in city buildings. The systems include ionization technology that eliminates over 99% of viruses in the air including all variants of the Coronavirus.
We have also made hand sanitizer available at all public counters.
To stay informed about the latest COVID-19 updates for Brooklyn Park, visit the city’s COVID-19 resources pages or sign up for email or text alerts.