Public weighs in on mask mandate

Isabella Basco takes the pulse of Minnesotans

With a chance for storms thank you for joining us for kimt news 3 at 10?

"* i'm katie lange.

And i'm george mallet.

First tonight: starting this saturday... masks become minnesota mandatory.

Face coverings will be required in businesses and indoor public spaces.

Kimt news 3's isabella basco hit the streets of southern minnesota to find out what people are thinking about this mandate.

She joins us live downtown with an early look at public opinion.

Well rochester was already ahead of the curve when it came to the mask mandate.

Already ?

"* residents have to wear face masks in such locations as bars... restaurants and retail shops.

Tonght i took a look at public sentiment and here's what i found out.

<nats > "i believe in freedoms, we live in the united states, i do believe in our freedom of choice so it's hard to weigh that with public safety."

In the city of kasson ?

"* on ?

"* site computers did have to require masks for customers.

Owner mike bowe is mixed about the mandate.

He hears customers' concerns about wearing face coverings.

"some of them have difficulty breathing, the problem i see is people that do have health concerns, are they supposed to wear a t shirt telling people?

They are being approached by people saying you got to get a mask on.

They don't know this person may have underlying issues."

Economics expert rayce hardy says business owners can use this order to their advantage.

"i think it's a chance for people who are apprehensive about going to businesses to give them a feeling of security but also workers... you have to look at the other side of this too.

There are other workers that are exposed constantly."

Already ?

"* on twitter ?

"* th a hashtag trending called #maskupmn.

Here's a photo of lieutenant gov.

Peggy flanagan wearing her stylish face covering.

Hardy says we should embrace the mandate ?

"* not tun away from it.

"businesses would be wise to accept the executive order and do everything they can to get people in the door."

But mandate or no mandate ?

"* businesses are struggling.

"a lot of the owners at these businesses, the workers at these businesses.

Minnesota is now one of 30 states to put the order in place.

Live in rochester ib kimt news 3.

Thanks isabella.

State officials say face covers can range from paper or disposable masks to scarves and bandannas.

Howver ?

"* yourm ask must cover your mouth and nose completely.