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Dear Neighbors and Friends,
In preparation for the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who is charged with murder in the death of George Floyd, security measures are being taken, including secured fencing around the Hennepin County Government Center. The County provides facilities for Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District, which is the venue for this trial.
In the past year, our city and our nation have experienced civil unrest that has resulted in an unprecedented, and for many an unwelcome, military presence in our lives. The barricades in and of themselves may feel like an act of aggression, layered on top of existing and ongoing trauma. To ensure that justice is served for George Floyd, his family, and our community, these measures are being taken to prevent any disruption to the trial.
While I’m unsettled to see secured fencing around these buildings that serve our community, I know three things:
- Justice and community safety must be a top and guiding priority.
- First amendment rights must be protected and peaceful demonstration allowed.
- Services to county residents will not be interrupted, and are available online or at other locations throughout the county.
I will be communicating with you on a regular basis to share information that impacts community members about County services. If you, your family or neighbors have questions or need assistance please contact my office. The county’s online services portal (www.hennepin.us/services) is also a resource.
My best,
The State of Minnesota is committed to the equitable distribution of safe and effective vaccines for protection against COVID-19. As vaccine supply increases and doses become more widely available, opportunities to get vaccinated will expand.
State launches new tool to connect all Minnesotans to COVID-19 vaccines
This week, the state launched the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector, a tool that helps all Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get their COVID-19 vaccine. The Vaccine Connector is the next step of the state’s vaccination strategy to meet Minnesotans where they are and connect them to vaccine opportunities, no matter where they live or their personal circumstances.
Learn more and register yourself on the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector
Hennepin County vaccination update
Each week, the Minnesota Department of Health determines the allocations of vaccine dosage for local public health agencies, including Hennepin County Public Health. Learn more about Hennepin County’s role, including the number of vaccine doses we’ve administered: hennepin.us/vaccinationupdates
Sign up to receive this data weekly, via email or text.
Minneapolis offers new web tool for vaccination information
The City of Minneapolis has developed a new web tool to help residents find information in multiple languages on the current status of the vaccination rollout, what to expect when getting the vaccine, and the safety of getting a vaccine.
Find out more
Sign up to receive updates
Fill out this form to stay updated on your eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine and connect to vaccine opportunities in your area when they become available. If you have questions about the form or need language assistance, please call our Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector hotline at 833-431-2053.
Espanol: Conéctese con su vacuna contra el COVID-19.
Hmoob: Tiv tauj koj koob tshuaj tiv thaiv COVID-19.
Somali: Ku xidhnow tallaalkaaga COVID-19.
The county is gathering feedback on the plan through online meetings and a comment form through Wednesday, March 3.
Ways to provide feedback
Online community meeting
The county is holding an online meeting on Monday, March 1 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. where county staff will present core goals and strategies. Anyone interested in the county’s response to climate change is encouraged to attend. RSVP here.
Comment form
Individuals who wish to offer feedback on the plan but do not want to attend an online meeting may share their comments through an online feedback form.
Recording of the community meetings
A recording of the first community meeting on February 22 is available. You can view the video (YouTube) and respond to the poll questions.
Please send all your feedback to our office as the board and county staff work to finalize our Climate Action Plan.
Keep Safe While Waiting for Vaccinations
With the welcome news that vaccinations have begun against the coronavirus, we also know the demand for vaccine far outpaces the supply. The entire distribution process will take time.
While we wait throughout this process, public health experts remind us to keep protecting ourselves, our loved ones and our neighbors by doing what works:
- Wearing a mask, washing your hands, maintaining social distance, and staying home when you feel sick.
Getting a free COVID-19 test. Testing is encouraged and available to everyone, whether or not you have symptoms. It’s one of the best ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 and help prevent exposing your loved ones to the virus. Find more information about how to get a test on the Hennepin County COVID-19 Website.
COVID-19 quarantine and isolation calculator now available in multiple languages
Have you recently been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19? This new calculator will help you decide if you need to quarantine or isolate and for how long: https://covidcalculator.hennepin.us
Español: ¿Ha estado expuesto o ha dado positivo por COVID-19? Para saber más si necesita estar en cuarentena o en aislamiento y por cuánto tiempo.
Hmoob: Koj puas tau nyob ze cov neeg raug tus kabmob los sis mus kuaj tau tus kabmob COVID? Kawm kom paub yog hais tias koj yuav tau mus nyob twj ywm rau hauv tsev los sis mus nyob hauv tsev ceev koj tus kheej thiab yuav tau nyob ntev npaum li cas.
Soomaali: Ma la kulantay qof qaba amase laga helay COVID-19? Baro haddii aad u baahan tahay inaad is karantiishid ama gooni u joogtid iyo mudadu intay le’eg tahay.
Request masks and hand sanitizer for your organization
Masks help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Get masks for your organization. Thank you for encouraging those around you to wear a mask for the health and safety of all.
Request masks for your organization today: bit.ly/hccovidsupplies
Get help remaining in isolation
If you’re a Hennepin County resident who has recently tested positive for COVID-19 and need help remaining in isolation email essentialservices@hennepin.us or submit an essential services request online.
Elevate Business HC offers free support to businesses impacted by COVID-19
COVID-19 has created many challenges for small businesses in Hennepin County. Through Elevate Business HC, Hennepin County businesses impacted by COVID-19 are eligible to receive pro-bono one-on-one business consulting and technical assistance from a variety of professional service providers.
Some of the services offered include:
- COVID-19 protocols
- Employment law
- Insurance policy review
- Virtual employee engagement and retention
- Social media, website and e-commerce
- Financial analysis
- And more
Learn more, register, and be paired with a technical assistance provider now: https://www.elevatebusinesshc.com/home.
Share what would help you waste less food
We love food, which is why most of us hate seeing it go to waste. By taking steps to reduce food waste, you can ensure the money you spend on your food and the energy, land, and water it takes to grow it and get it to you doesn’t go to waste. Reducing food waste is also one of the most important actions we can take to address climate change.
Help Hennepin County understand more about food waste so we can work together to reduce it! Take the 5 minute survey to provide insights into how you interact with food – from shopping, storage, cooking, and finally disposal – and how the county can support you in preventing food waste. Your responses will be used to create better resources that help residents reduce food waste.
This survey is open to all Hennepin County residents, with a special focus on getting responses from people living in multifamily housing. So if you live in an apartment building, please share this with your neighbors or ask your property manager to distribute it!
The survey is open until March 1.
Take the food waste survey now.
Contact us
Marion Greene
Commissioner, 3rd District
612-348-7883
Elie Farhat
Principal Aide
612-348-7125
Laura Hoffman
District Aide
612-348-0863
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