Masks now recommended for downtown Rochester events

(ABC 6 News) – Masks are now strongly recommended for all individuals attending and participating in Thursdays Downtown and Movies in the Park events.

The Rochester Downtown Alliance said the recommendation is based on updated guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and in consultation with Olmsted County Public Health Services.

The RDA will be implementing the following:

• Strongly recommending all attending and participating in the two events to wear masks or face covering, particularly when physical distancing cannot be observed.
• Sanitizing between customers as best as possible.
• Encouraging all attendees to respect physical distancing in so far as is possible.
• Encouraging especially vulnerable people, including unvaccinated and immunocompromised, to consider not attending Thursdays Downtown or attending between 2 and 4 p.m. when crowds are reduced, and physical distancing is easier to observe.

“The Rochester Downtown Alliance puts the safety of attendees, vendors, partners, volunteers, and event staff as the highest priority. We are implementing new COVID-19 recommendations for Thursdays Downtown going forward as of this week and for our final Movies in the Park Saturday,” said Holly Masek, RDA executive director. “We need everyone’s cooperation in keeping our community safe.”