MN Mask Mandate and Real Estate

This mandate says all Minnesotans over the age of 5 (except those unable to comply for health reasons) are required to wear a face covering in all public indoor spaces and businesses, unless they are alone, and outdoor public settings where proper social distancing cannot be observed. This includes when waiting outside to enter an indoor public space. This means that now more than ever is a good time to start having virtual meetings with your real estate agent. 

Those who enter private homes for a business purpose must wear a face covering.  So, both REALTORS® and clients (and customers) should wear face coverings in showings and open house situations to be compliant with the order. Masks are also required on public transportation, including buses and trains, and in taxis or vehicles that are used for a business purpose - so drive separately from your agent or you all have to wear masks in the car together.

Real estate brokers and agents must also communicate to workers and customers about their mask requirement. At a minimum, they have to post at least one visible sign instructing people that face coverings are required.  Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove said that businesses are being asked to treat customers who refuse to wear a mask in the same way they’d treat any challenging customer.  Best practices, he said, include offering customers masks; requesting that they leave if they refuse to wear a mask; offering alternatives, if necessary, calling law enforcement.

A “face covering” must be worn to cover the nose and mouth completely, and can include a paper or disposable face mask, a cloth face mask, a scarf, a bandana, a neck gaiter, or a religious face covering. Masks that incorporate a valve designed to facilitate easy exhaling, mesh masks, or masks with openings, holes, visible gaps in the design or material, or vents are not sufficient face coverings because they allow exhaled droplets to be released into the air.

If you have a medical condition already that affects your breathing, health experts recommend talking to your doctor about whether a face mask could cause additional problems. Alternatives to masks such as clear face shields may be considered for those with health conditions or situations where wearing a mask is problematic. Face shields may also be used as an alternative to face coverings when specifically permitted in the applicable Industry Guidance available at Stay Safe Minnesota.