Minnesota State Fair sets health guidelines, urges attendees to ‘do your part’

(KSTP) – The Minnesota State Fair finalized its health guidelines heading into the 2021 event, urging people who attend to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and wear a mask in specific instances while attending but not mandating either.

"We understand that by urging rather than requiring people to follow current guidance, many of our usual fair fans will not be comfortable attending," a post on the fair’s website read on Wednesday. "We ask that those who attend do so because they are willing to follow our health guidance — not because it’s mandated, but because it’s the right thing to do."

The fair is asking those who attend to make an informed decision before deciding to go. Citing the Minnesota Department of Health, individuals who are not yet fully vaccinated for COVID-19, immunocompromised individuals and their caregivers to reduce the risk by using layered protections such as avoiding large gatherings and wearing a mask indoors and outdoors when social distancing is not possible.

Event organizers are also urging the public to get vaccinated. According to data from MDH, it’s widely recognized that the vast majority of all current COVID-19 cases are among unvaccinated people. The fair is not requiring attendees to show proof of vaccination but strongly suggests getting a vaccine. There will be an opportunity to get a vaccine dose while at the state fairgrounds, located in the North Event Center during the 12-day event.

The Minnesota State Fair finalized its health guidelines heading into the 2021 event, urging people who attend to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and wear a mask in specific instances while attending but not mandating either.

"We understand that by urging rather than requiring people to follow current guidance, many of our usual fair fans will not be comfortable attending," a post on the fair’s website read on Wednesday. "We ask that those who attend do so because they are willing to follow our health guidance — not because it’s mandated, but because it’s the right thing to do."

The fair is asking those who attend to make an informed decision before deciding to go. Citing the Minnesota Department of Health, individuals who are not yet fully vaccinated for COVID-19, immunocompromised individuals and their caregivers to reduce the risk by using layered protections such as avoiding large gatherings and wearing a mask indoors and outdoors when social distancing is not possible.

Event organizers are also urging the public to get vaccinated. According to data from MDH, it’s widely recognized that the vast majority of all current COVID-19 cases are among unvaccinated people. The fair is not requiring attendees to show proof of vaccination but strongly suggests getting a vaccine. There will be an opportunity to get a vaccine dose while at the state fairgrounds, located in the North Event Center during the 12-day event.