Proof of vaccination or negative test required at Twin Cities establishments

If you are planning a trip to the Twin Cities, remember to bring proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test if you want to eat or drink indoors. On Wednesday, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter announced a temporary policy for establishments serving indoor food or beverages.

According to Hubbard sister-station, KSTP-TV, the policy applies for licensed businesses at which food or drink is served indoors. It will require customers to either show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of the visit.

Officials said those defined as being fully vaccinated are those who completed the original course of shots—either the two-shot Pfizer or Moderna series or the single Johnson & Johnson shot.

City officials said the policy will take effect on Jan. 19. There is not an explicitly-listed expiration date for the policy, however, Frey said the policy is meant to be temporary.

Frey said the policy is a critical next step to avoid establishment closures. "We want to stay open and we need to stay safer," he said.

City officials said examples of establishments affected by the policy include:

• Restaurants
• Bars
• Stadiums
• Bowling alleys
• Coffee shops and cafes
• Theaters
• Catering halls
• Convention centers

Schools and hospitals, as well as grocery stores, are exempt from the policy, city officials said. Additionally, the policy would not specifically apply to those picking up takeout, city officials said.

Additional details regarding which establishments the policy affects will be released by the cities at a later time.