Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey stands by his decision to enforce a vaccine mandate for restaurants and events in the city. But, after the announcement yesterday, Frey is reversing part of the requirement.
Initially, children ages 2 to 5 would need to produce a recent negative PCR COVID-19 test monitored by a health care professional in order to enter an eatery or event.
But after releasing the details on the order, Frey has decided to change the requirement for children.
"I think that it should stop at a 5-year-old. It would make sense because you can get vaccinated down to that age but not down to two obviously," Frey said. "This was an area where I think we could clean it up a bit more."
The mayor shared with News Talk 830 WCCO's Chad Hartman that he was walking back this part of the mandate but still stands by his decision.
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Before making the decision with St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, Frey shared that he spoke with numerous restaurant and bar owners to get their input on the mandate.
However, many owners have come out and said they did not hear anything from the mayor's office before deciding to enforce the mandate.
O'Donovan's Pub owner Dermot Cowley shared that more restaurants will struggle under the new mandate.
"We had no idea we were not given a heads up," Cowley said. "We got nothing from licensing or any word on this. It's kind of like another nail in the coffin."
As of now, the vaccine mandate is temporary, with no end date set. But starting next Wednesday, any establishment that serves drinks or food will be required to check for vaccinations or a negative COVID test before allowing patrons to enter. The same restriction for events is set to start on Jan. 26.
