Hennepin County News and COVID-19 Update - May 30

Hennepin County, Minnesota sent this bulletin at 05/30/2020 10:32 AM CDT

May 30, 2020

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This has been a tumultuous week for our region and country. The pain of George Floyd’s undeserved and senseless murder while in police custody has shaken Minneapolis, Hennepin County, and our country to our core. My deepest condolences to Mr. Floyd’s loved ones. I hope his family and friends are able to navigate towards some peace in their time of loss.

In the meantime, while we are vulnerable, while we grieve, outside agitators and white supremacists are coming to our community to take advantage of that, and wreak havoc in the midst of our pain and sadness. These agitators act only to further our pain, particularly the pain of communities of color, and to serve their own white supremacist values.

The county continues to respond to those in our community who are vulnerable, and to partner with the City of Minneapolis and the State of Minnesota in all efforts to bring peace and safety to our community.

Be well,

Guidance for Visiting County Buildings

Required face coverings

All visitors to Hennepin County buildings are required to wear face coverings that cover both mouth and nose and are secured to the head with ties or ear loops.
Masks will be available upon entry if visitors do not have one

Do not enter the building if you are sick or experiencing any of the following symptoms:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Chills
Headache
Muscle pain
Sore throat
New loss of taste or smell

Social distance

Maintain 6 feet of social distance

City of Minneapolis Guidance and Webinars for Business Reopening

The City of Minneapolis has released guidance for restaurants, bars and other businesses in anticipation of the governor’s order allowing limited outdoor dining and personal services businesses to open at a limited capacity June 1.

The City is also holding webinars this week for businesses as they prepare to open:

10 a.m. May 28 (Spanish)
2 p.m. May 28 (Somali)
12 p.m. May 29 (English): This will be held as part of the mayor’s office open call for businesses.

For more information on the City’s guidance for businesses, visit the City’s website.

Donate Homemade Face Masks at Minneapolis Fire Stations for Mask Drive Mondays

Minneapolis residents can deliver homemade masks to their local fire station from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Monday beginning June 8 for Mask Drive Mondays.

Remember to stay 6 feet away from others when dropping off your donation. Note: fire stations are not equipped to take any other donations at this time. The City plans to distribute the donated masks throughout Minneapolis to residents, organizations and businesses that are most in need, including food shelves, congregate living facilities, small corner stores and shelters.

Online Options Becoming Available for SNAP Recipients

As of Thursday, May 28, participants in Minnesota’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are able to use their benefits to purchase food through approved retailers. So far, these retailers include Amazon and Walmart. Customers do not need a credit card or debit card on file to place orders with a SNAP EBT card. A different payment method (in addition to an EBT card) will be required to pay for items not eligible for SNAP purchasing or to pay for any shipping fees and taxes.

SNAP customers who are not able to leave their homes can also authorize a representative to use their benefits to shop for groceries on their behalf. Details and more information on this option as well as online ordering area available from the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The state is also encouraging local stores to apply to be approved SNAP online retailers.

If you or someone you know has been laid off from work or seen work hours cut, help may be available. SNAP can help you buy food while budgets are tight. Get more information on the program and eligibility criteria here.

Minneapolis Mayor Frey Issues Policy Requiring Face Coverings for Indoor Public Locations

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey signed Emergency Regulation 2020-12, which will require people in Minneapolis to wear cloth face masks or coverings when they are in an indoor place of public accommodation, including grocery stores, recreation centers, hotels, retail businesses, the skyway system, and government buildings. Frey signed the new policy into law this morning. The emergency regulation will take effect on Tuesday, May 26. Read more here.

Request Your Absentee Ballot

All eligible voters in Minnesota can choose to vote by mail via absentee ballot.

To complete the application for an absentee ballot online you must:

Be eligible to register and vote in Minnesota
Provide an email address
Provide your identification number: MN-issued driver's license, Minnesota ID card or last 4 digits of Social Security Number

Complete your absentee ballot request here.

Up-to-Date Resources

Hennepin County Services

Up-to-date information about how to access Hennepin County services.

Hennepin County local resource site for information on food, health, safety, and housing resources.

Hennepin County Library Curbside Pickup FAQ

The Domestic Abuse Service Center is currently operating remotely. All services can be accessed by calling (612) 348-5073.

Health Resources

Find COVID-19 testing locations

State of Minnesota Dedicated COVID-19 Hotlines:

Community (schools, child care, business) questions: 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 (7:00 am – 7:00 pm)
Health questions: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 (7:00 am – 7:00 pm)

Ways to create your own non-medical grade mask.

Contact Standpoint advocacy services at 612-743-7397 if you are experience domestic abuse/violence.

Housing Resources

Call 612-348-5553 to speak with Healthcare for the Homeless staff about accessing quarantine and isolation space.

Homes for All COVID-19 Housing and Homelessness Resources

Additional resources for those experiencing housing instability.

Apply for Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program

Food Resources

Minneapolis Public Schools meal pickup information

Saint Louis Park public school meal distribution information

'Free Meals for Kids' Mobile App

Designate someone to use your EBT card on your behalf.