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October 1, 2020
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COVID-19 testing at Aldrich Arena
Additional Saturday dates in October for COVID-19 testing at Aldrich Arena in Maplewood have been added. Testing is free and open to everyone, with or without symptoms. No insurance and no ID is required. Drive-thru and walk-thru testing will be available with interpreters onsite.
Aldrich Arena - 1850 White Bear Avenue, Maplewood, MN 55109
- Thursday, Oct. 1, Noon - 7 p.m.
- All Saturdays in October, 1 - 6 p.m.
Registration is strongly recommended to reduce wait times and is available online at ramseycounty.us/testingsites. Registration will open the Monday before each testing date. Check the testing page on a regular basis for the latest updates and new testing sites offered by Public Health and our community partners.
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Vote before Election Day by mail or in person
Ramsey County voters may vote before Election Day by using an absentee ballot for the Nov. 3 general election. All voters can vote absentee in Minnesota.
In-person absentee voting is available at the following locations through Nov. 2:
- Ramsey County Elections Office.
- New Brighton Community Center.
- Ramsey County Library - Roseville.
Some cities in Ramsey County offer additional in-person absentee voting sites for city residents. Check with your city for details.
Voting by mail is safe, easy and convenient. Complete the online request form to have an absentee ballot mailed to your home.
You can return your completed ballot by mail or in person at a ballot return site.
You can also track the status of your absentee ballot online.
Help prevent the spread during fall celebrations
Halloween, Día de Los Muertos, Navratri, Diwali and Thanksgiving will likely need to be different this fall to prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Avoid activities that are higher risk for spread. Consider fun alternatives that pose lower risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.
With Halloween approaching, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released ideas for safer, alternative ways to participate in Halloween. If you may have COVID-19 or you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not participate in in-person Halloween festivities and should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters.
These lower risk activities can be safe alternatives:
- Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them
- Decorating your house, apartment, or living space
- Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance
- Having a virtual Halloween costume contest
- Having a small group, outdoor, open-air costume parade where people are distanced more than 6 feet apart
- Having an outdoor Halloween movie night with local family friends with people spaced at least 6 feet apart
Avoid these higher risk activities to help prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19:
- Participating in traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed to children who go door to door or from the trunks of cars lined up in parking lots
- Attending crowded costume parties held indoors
- Going to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screaming
- Going on hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your household
Read more about safe alternatives
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Flu vaccine more important than ever
With both the flu and COVID-19 circulating this fall and winter, Minnesotans can protect themselves by getting a flu vaccine. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every year unless they cannot because of medical reasons. Cover your cough, wash your hands, stay home when sick, clean frequently touched surfaces, wear a mask, and stay 6 feet from other to prevent the spread.
If you are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19, talk to your doctor or other health care provider before you get your flu vaccine.
Learn more, including where to vaccinated
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TeckPak applications due by Oct. 2
TechPak, a partnership between Tech Dump, Literacy Minnesota, Saint Paul Public Library and Ramsey County, is a new initiative bringing computers, internet and digital literacy training into the homes of Ramsey County residents who have experienced economic impacts due to COVID-19.
The packs include a refurbished laptop, a hotspot for internet access and quick start guides. Additionally, each computer comes pre-loaded with bookmarks to assist in job searches and trainings, and comes with a one-year warranty.
During the upcoming enrollment period, Sept. 30-Oct. 2, TechPaks will be awarded to eligible Ramsey County residents who have experienced job loss, reduced hours, change of household income or have other barriers due to COVID-19.
Details about the application process can be found at ramseycounty.us/TechPak.
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Job Connect online job board connects residents and employers
The new Job Connect online job board connects residents and employers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This employment platform is the latest tool integrated within the county’s economic development website, RamseyCountyMeansBusiness.com, which provides business development resources and incentives.
Job Connect has many unique features including the ability to search for jobs by transit accessibility, keyword and location using an interactive map. The job board highlights major industries in Ramsey County including healthcare, technology, manufacturing, construction and more. Each listing includes information about the responsibilities, qualifications, industry, education level, nearby transit and pay type.
To experience the interactive job board, visit ramseycounty.us/jobconnect. Job seekers are also encouraged to subscribe to the Job Seeker Services newsletter to receive targeted job alerts and training information.
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General and walk-in job seeker services available
The Career Labs serve as a business office for job seekers needing an on-site resource room with free computer access, workshops and staff assistance. These locations feature the tools and resources needed to find a job or make a career change.
The Career Labs are available to:
- Research and plan a successful job search.
- Access free use of computers, printers and faxes.
- Access free assessments on your resume and cover letter creation.
- Take typing tests, and Microsoft Office and computer skills certificates.
Find food and meals near you
Many free meal and food assistance programs are available in Ramsey County. Food and basic needs resources are available for residents, including assistance programs:
• To increase monthly food budgets.
• For children under the age of 18.
• For seniors.
• For residents with transportation or mobility barriers.
Use our interactive map to find programs near you, including food shelves, farmers markets, grocery stores, delivery services, and free dining and meal sites.
Learn more: ramseycounty.us/FoodResources
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Grab and Go Services: Roseville and Shoreview
If you’re looking for new books for your young readers but have no idea where to start, you can request a grab bag. The grab bags are a collection of items for your kids to explore curated by your favorite children’s librarians.
Fill out the form today: rclreads.org/grab-bags
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Tamarack Nature Center offering homeschool programs
Property tax second installments due Oct. 15
Are you looking for programming options for your homeschool curriculum? Tamarack Nature Center is offering classes for homeschool students. Classes are typically two hours in length and develop concepts and skills in science, social studies, art and recreation. Most classes include activities to accommodate mixed-age groups.
Learn more
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COVID-19 update from the Sept. 22 Board of Commissioners meeting
There was no meeting this week. The board will reconvene Oct. 6.
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