I was planning a trip in August to a cabin nearby, but saw online that the governor had not yet mandated masks. Ely's city hall did not respond to my inquiry. Can someone there tell me whether the city hall has mandated masks? And either way, are stores requiring masks? That would help guide me.

Thank you.

No citywide mandate, but a very cautious attitude toward the town's year-round residents. Many stores do require them. Voyageur North Outfitters, Piragis, Ely Steak House, Northern Grounds, to name a few that we patronized when we were there 2 weeks ago. We saw a high percentage of mask use, such that those who stood out from the crowd were those who chose to go without.

Just plan on wearing one when you enter a store/outfitter. Most require them, but it is the right thing to do any which way.

Or if you are asking which stores don't require them to avoid those store that I can't help with, but Ely is very Covid concerned as a whole.

People coming to a small town from all over the country makes a mask a good choice.

I think we've reached a point that simply wearing a mask in public is just a wise choice for all parties involved. Sadly, things haven't improved that much if at all.

Thank you all. Very helpful. I knew I could count on the "outdoor" people.

Wear a mask always whether mandated or not.

Nigal: "People coming to a small town from all over the country makes a mask a good choice. "

+ 1, the small towns need us to be extra careful!

You probably have heard, but depending on where you’re from thought I would update. As of today, 7/25, all of MN has a mask mandate for indoor public spaces.

skinnyskier: "You probably have heard, but depending on where you’re from thought I would update. As of today, 7/25, all of MN has a mask mandate for indoor public spaces."

Good for them. Our Ohio governor announced quarantines for anyone coming from five states. Thankfully with MN order it will stay off our list so I can make my trip at the end of August. I’m not even planning on going into Ely unless I might need leaches.

Driving through Ely last Friday, I would say probably 60% of the people out on the sidewalks were wearing masks. I only went in one store, Piragis, and they had mask mandate prior to the state mandate and they had disposable masks and hand sanitizer at the door. There wasn't much distancing in the stores however as they were packed!

I was there 8-1 and yes masks are now required in Ely and the entire state of MN.

Torgo: "Driving through Ely last Friday, I would say probably 60% of the people out on the sidewalks were wearing masks. I only went in one store, Piragis, and they had mask mandate prior to the state mandate and they had disposable masks and hand sanitizer at the door. There wasn't much distancing in the stores however as they were packed! "

Masks are not required while outside. The likelihood of viral infection while outdoors is very low due to wind, sunlight, and the sheer volume of air that dilutes the concentration aerosols that contain the virus.

Hi, wear a mask when you enter buildings. Thank you.

mychurchmyhome: "Hi, wear a mask when you enter buildings. Thank you. "

We have had a mask requirement like that for two months. Seems to have helped. Our cases are 1-5 a day and our deaths 1-2 a week statewide. We have many days lately with no new cases nor deaths. The virus could recur but masks seem to help. No no one wears them paddling!

I don't wear masks. I have a small glass of Clorox with my oatmeal in the morning and I'm good to go.

CityFisher74: "I don't wear masks. I have a small glass of Clorox with my oatmeal in the morning and I'm good to go."

Hey I heard that does wonders for the lungs....

CityFisher74: "I don't wear masks. I have a small glass of Clorox with my oatmeal in the morning and I'm good to go."

But shouldn't you be spraying your neighbors with clorox to protect you from them?