July 2021 newsletter: Information on COVID-19 vaccine, free meals for youth, Popular Annual Financial Report

Ramsey County, Minnesota sent this bulletin at 07/01/2021 06:30 AM CDT

July 2021 Newsletter

- Coronavirus/COVID-19 updates.
- Free meals for youth.
- Popular Annual Financial Report.
- Help prevent invasive species.
- Tips to stay cool in the heat.
- Upcoming events.
- In the news.

COVID-19 updates

How to get your COVID-19 shot

Vaccine is available at locations throughout the community. The vaccine is free, no insurance or ID required.

Get your free COVID-19 vaccine

County mask policy update

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved easing requirements for face coverings at most Ramsey County facilities at its June 8 board meeting.

The revised policy makes face coverings optional for visitors and staff working at most county facilities. Face coverings are still recommended for people who haven't been vaccinated.

Learn more about the updated policy

Free summer meals for youth

Ramsey County is partnering with Youthprise and Saint Paul Public Schools to make sure youth receive the nutrition they need to succeed.

At Ramsey County Library - Maplewood on Tuesdays and Thursdays, youth 18 and younger can receive seven days worth of lunches and snacks on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Learn more about RCL summer meals

Public school districts in the county are offering free summer meals for youth 18 and younger. Home delivery and meal box pickup is available in some districts:

Fill up on vegetables and fruits with WIC

From now through September 2022, eligible Women, Infants and Children (WIC) participants can receive up to $35 per family member for vegetables and fruits every month. Use the extra benefits to try new things, stock up on freezable favorites and make healthier summer snacks and meals.

WIC provides food to participants through benefits that they can redeem at grocery stores and participating farmers markets. It is a nutrition, breastfeeding and supplemental food program that helps eligible pregnant women, new mothers, babies and young children eat well, learn about nutrition and stay healthy.

Learn more at ramseycounty.us/WIC

2020 Popular Annual Financial Report now available

Ramsey County’s 2020 Popular Annual Financial Report is now available. The easy-to-use online report helps residents and others learn more about Ramsey County through an overview of our financial information.

View the report at ramseycounty.us/PAFR

Project refinancing saves $39.7 million over 5 years

East metro taxpayers have saved nearly $40 million on capital projects over the last five years due to favorable refinancing by Ramsey County, the city of Saint Paul and Saint Paul Public Schools.

Learn more at ramseycounty.us/JPTAC

Help stop invasive species

Aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels, often hitch a ride on our watercraft and trailers, and then are unknowingly transported from one lake to another.

Learn more about how to stop aquatic invasive species

Prevent the spread of jumping worms

If you like to garden or fish, be on the lookout for jumping worms. Jumping worms are invasive and destructive worms that can quickly degrade soils (giving it a texture similar to coffee grounds), kill garden plants and damage lawns.

Jumping worms look similar to nightcrawlers and other earthworms except that they wiggle intensely when disturbed and can appear to be jumping.

Learn more about jumping worms

Tips to stay cool in the heat

As the hot weather continues, keep in mind these precautions to stay cool in the heat:

Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is hottest.
Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more. Water is better at cooling your body than drinks with sugar.
Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Use sunscreen.

During extreme heat, check on relatives, neighbors, older adults and other vulnerable community members to ensure they are staying cool and hydrated. Those at highest risk include people 65 and older, children younger than two, and people with chronic diseases or mental illness.

View more information on staying cool in the heat