Cities and counties are starting to reinstate mask mandates. Here's what you need to know. Photo: AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File. In this May 21, 2021 file photo, a person holds a mask while walking outside. Rebecca Omastiak Created: August 03, 2021 02:29 PM Amid the latest surge in COVID-19 infections fueled in large part by the more infectious delta variant, local governments around the Twin Cities are turning back to mask mandates to mitigate the spread of the virus. Masks will once more be required inside buildings operated by the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul and Hennepin and Ramsey county buildings. In a joint release Tuesday, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said they were issuing new mask guidelines for their respective cities.