Robbinsdale Businesses Respond to Mask Mandate

Robbinsdale business owners say most customers are reacting positively to Governor Tim Walz’s mask mandate. The policy went into effect on Saturday in hopes of stopping the spread of COVID-19. The new rule requires you to wear a face-covering in all indoor businesses and public indoor spaces. The mandate also includes public transportation and outdoor spaces where social distancing can’t occur.

Mask mandate went into effect July 25.

“We’ll do whatever to keep people safe, and I don’t mind doing something simple, and it’s not worth the time and effort to disagree with other people about it,” said shopper Kari Severson, who spent Monday taking advantage of beautiful weather in downtown Robbinsdale.

At Woulett Bakery, store manager Jenn O’Reilly asked customers to wear a face covering even before the mandate went into effect. Shoppers we talked with didn’t seem to mind.

“I’m all for it, and everybody should and help protect everybody else so that we deal with this,” said customer Gary Becklund.

O’Reilly says working in a hot bakery and wearing a mask isn’t ideal. But she’s okay with it. “It’s tricky, but you know, it’s just what you gotta do,” she said.

Three Customers Try to Enter Hardware Store Without Masks

Ace Hardware had three customers enter store without face masks.

Mark Welna, owner of Ace Hardware in Robbinsdale, says that although there is a mask mandate, three customers entered the shop on Saturday not wearing masks.

“I say, ‘you don’t have a mask on, and it’s a $1,000 fine on the store and a $100 fine on you. Could you please put a mask on?'” Welna recalled.

He says the rule makes it easier for him because he doesn’t have to force people to wear face protection. “So far, no one has been yelling and screaming at us,” he said.

But some folks would rather not wear face masks, mandate or no mandate.

“I hate wearing my mask,” said a man who didn’t want to be identified. “I can’t breathe. It’s just trauma. I hate it.”

Robbinsdale