NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 13, 2020
MEDIA CONTACT: Dana Kazel, Communications Manager
218-725-5049 (office) • 218-591-2219 (cell)
St. Louis County resumes limited in-person services by appointment, launches use of "No Wait Inside" app
St. Louis County is adding select in-person services available by appointment beginning Monday, July 13. The County continues to recommend people access services using telephone, email, mail and online whenever possible, but is adding in-person appointments to assist citizens who may be having difficulty accessing county services remotely. County buildings remain closed to public, with the exception of the courthouses, which are open for court business only.
Among the services available by appointment beginning Monday include:
The Recorder's Office is expanding its curbside service by appointment, offering it now in Duluth, Virginia and Hibbing. Additionally, the Recorder's Office has added a new option for people to schedule appointments online. This service is limited to urgent and vital records requests only. Information on how to schedule an appointment can be found online at stlouiscountymn.gov/recorder. For questions, or to discuss if an appointment is needed, call 218-726-2559.
Public Health and Human Services will offer in-person appointments on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for select services in Duluth and Virginia. People needing assistance should first call the triage line to talk with a financial worker to determine if an appointment is needed. Phone numbers to call are 218-726-2274 in Duluth, or 218-471-7391 in Virginia.
The Planning and Community Development Department will offer in-person appointments from its Virginia office on Wednesdays. People should call 218-749-7103 to set up an appointment.
The Auditor's Office is offering curbside service by appointment in Duluth and Virginia for anyone wishing to request an absentee ballot, or who wishes to vote early by absentee ballot. To schedule an appointment, call 218-726-2385 in Duluth, or 218-749-7104 in Virginia, or email elections@stlouiscountymn.gov.
For anyone with an appointment, the county has started using the No Wait Inside app, which will send text notifications to the individual alerting them when it's their turn to enter the building, and other necessary instructions to follow.
The County Board will resume in-person attendance at its meeting Tuesday, July 14, at the Duluth Courthouse. Seating will be limited to 10 citizens to ensure safe physical distancing. People are also welcome to provide comments to the Board in advance via voice mail and e-mail. Voice messages may be left at 218-726-2109, and will be played during the Board meeting. Emails sent to publiccomment@stlouiscountymn.gov will be forwarded to all commissioners.
For anyone visiting one of the courthouses, or to a scheduled appointment at other county buildings, or to attend Tuesday's Board meeting, new safety precautions are in place:
All visitors must complete a self-screening for COVID symptoms prior to entering any county facility, including a temperature check.
Visitors are requested to wear a face mask that covers both mouth and nose; and to maintain a minimum of 6 feet of physical distance for the duration of their visit. Note that masks are also required for anyone coming to a courthouse for court services.
Anyone who is sick or experiencing any of the following symptoms, or who has someone in their household who is experiencing these symptoms, which cannot be attributed to another known health condition, should not enter any county buildings:
- Fever (100.4 F or higher)
- Chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sore throat
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
To learn more about how to access St. Louis County services via remote means, visit stlouiscountymn.gov/COVID19.
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