|
Oct. 22, 2020
|
|
View this email through Google Translate: Español | Hmoob | Soomaali
Free masks available this Saturday, Oct. 24
Ramsey County residents and families in need of face masks can pick up free cloth masks at the A Mask for Everyone event this Saturday:
Oct. 24 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Former Sears parking lot, 358 Marion St., Saint Paul, MN 55103
Adult and youth size masks will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be a limit of eight masks per household. Masks are available for Ramsey County residents only. The event will be arranged to limit in-person contact in accordance with public health guidelines. Residents who drive up should remain in their vehicles. Residents who walk, bike or travel via other means will be asked to follow social distancing guidelines while on-site.
|
Ramsey County acquires lease to turn Bethesda Hospital into a homeless shelter
Ramsey County has approved a lease agreement with M Health Fairview to utilize Bethesda Hospital in Saint Paul as an emergency shelter for those experiencing homelessness. The lease will be in effect from Dec. 1, 2020, through May 31, 2022. The facility will provide 100+ beds and 24/7 services through spring 2022.
Please visit ramseycounty.us/Bethesda for the latest information on the project.
Sign up for Bethesda site updates.
|
COVID-19 Community Conversations with Dr. Lynne Ogawa
Join Dr. Lynne Ogawa, Medical Director for Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health, for a series of virtual community conversations about COVID-19 and how to protect yourself, your family and our community.
Conversations will be held monthly and hosted by Ramsey County’s COVID-19 Racial Equity and Community Engagement Response Team. The conversations will be held online through Zoom meetings.
October Topic: COVID-19 testing Date: Oct. 28, 4-5 p.m. Location: Online via Zoom meeting
You can submit questions in advance by email or ask them during the event.
Learn more.
|
COVID-19 testing available
Several additional community testing sites have been scheduled by Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health, and the Minnesota Department of Health, in partnership with local community organizations, to provide safe and free COVID-19 testing.
What to expect at community testing sites:
- Open to everyone.
- Free. No insurance needed.
- Symptoms or no symptoms.
- Drive-thru or walk-thru.
- No ID required.
Appointments are strongly encouraged. Signing up ahead of time helps avoid long lines. Walk-in testing is often available, but you might have to come back later or on another day. Here are the testing sites currently scheduled through the end of October:
Visit ramseycounty.us/testingsites for the latest updates and registration links.
|
|
|
TechPak applications open Nov. 2-4
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, Nov. 2-4, 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.
|
Did you lose your job due to COVID-19?
Help is available at free Community Career Labs across Ramsey County. Labs offer computer and internet access along with job search support. Get the tools and resources you need to step back into the workforce with confidence.
All locations follow COVID-19 safety guidelines. Reservations are required, and many same-day, walk-up appointments have been available at all sites.
Learn more.
|
Dislocated worker services available
If you’ve lost employment or you’re out of work, Ramsey County can help you find what’s next. The dislocated worker program is designed to help people who have been laid off through no fault of their own get back to work as quickly as possible.
Services include:
- Career planning and counseling.
- Job search assistance.
- Connections to employers hiring now.
- Counselor-approved training.
- Other support services.
For more information or to connect with an employment professional, call 651-266-9890 or visit ramseycounty.us/next.
|
|
|
Voting options for the Nov. 3 general election
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. All eligible voters can vote before Election Day by mail or in person, or in person at their polling place on Election Day.
All absentee and Election Day polling places have public health measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including social distancing, hand sanitizer and single user pens.
Vote before Election Day
- In person: Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 27, seven in-person absentee voting locations will be open with extended hours, including Saturday, Oct. 31. Three locations are already open.
- By mail: Voters who request a mail absentee ballot can return their ballot by mail or in person at a ballot return site. Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3 in order to be accepted. Ten ballot return sites are currently open, and Allianz Field will open for ballot returns beginning Thursday, Oct. 29.
Learn more: ramseycounty.us/VoteBeforeElectionDay
Vote on Election Day
On Election Day you must vote at your assigned polling place. Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Find your polling place.
Modified services at the Library
Ramsey County Library is committed to providing efficient, effective and equitable operational approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have a variety of modified services available for residents.
Modified services include but are not limited to:
- Holds and printed documents pickup via curbside or grab and go services.
- Home delivery for eligible Ramsey County residents.
- Ramsey County Service Centers at the libraries in Maplewood, Roseville and Shoreview.
- Community Career Labs at the libraries in Maplewood and Roseville.
- Provisional library accounts.
Digital resources, online services and virtual programs are also available to enjoy from home. Learn more about modified services at rclreads.org.
|
Homeschool classes at Tamarack Nature Center
Tamarack Nature Center’s homeschool classes are designed for students ages 5-10 to develop concepts and skills in science, social studies, art and recreation.
The sessions have also become a resource for families looking to supplement distance learning curriculums. An additional November session has been added due to increased demand, and more sessions are being considered for the remainder of the school year.
Classes have been modified to follow public health guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Learn more and register online.
|
|
|
COVID-19 update from the Oct. 20 Board of Commissioners meeting
|
|
|
|
|