Governor Tim Walz on Wednesday signed Executive Order 20-81, which requires Minnesotans to wear a face covering in indoor businesses and indoor public settings.

The mandate goes into effect on Saturday, July 25.

Health officials have been advocating for masks, calling it a simple and effective step to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Individuals with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that makes it unreasonable for the individual to maintain a face covering are exempt from the order. In addition, children who are five-years-old and under are also exempt from the mandate.

Officials say any individual who willfully violates this Executive Order is guilty of a petty misdemeanor and upon conviction can be punished by a fine not to exceed $100.