City of Minneapolis COVID-19 Update, May 8, 2020

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May 8, 2020

The City of Minneapolis remains committed to delivering high quality services for residents and business in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. For an overview of the City's response to COVID-19 and the latest impacts to City services, visit minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus. 

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Gov. Walz unveils five-point plan for protecting long-term care residents, workers

Gov. Tim Walz announced a new five-point plan May 7 to provide support to our state’s long-term care facilities and protect Minnesota seniors and their caregivers.

In Minneapolis and across the state, long-term care facilities face an elevated risk of COVID-19 outbreaks. Highlights of the plan include: 

  • Expanded testing for residents and workers.
  • Creating strike teams to provide testing support.
  • Providing additional personal protective equipment to facilities.
  • Ensuring adequate staffing levels at all facilities.
  • Partnering with local public health to coordinate support.

Learn more about the five-point plan


A reminder of the City's rules for recreational fires

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With the warmer weather of spring, some Minneapolis neighbors are enjoying time staying at home with outdoor fires. It's important to know the rules for recreational fires and be a good neighbor. 

Outdoor recreational fires are permitted between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. Keep fires small: less than three feet in diameter and two feet high.

Postpone a fire when Minneapolis is under an air pollution advisory. Fires release fine particles that contribute to air pollution and are implicated in a number of health problems including strokes, heart attacks and asthma. Sign up for air quality alerts at http://mn.enviroflash.info.

Burn only untreated, unpainted, dry wood. Never burn cardboard boxes, trash or debris, because the smoke can be toxic.

Find more information and videos in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong on how to have safe recreational fires.


Minneapolis parkways closed to motor vehicles and open to pedestrians will remain in effect through at least end of June

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The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) of Commissioners passed a resolution May 6 granting MPRB Superintendent Al Bangoura authority to spend up to $250,000 on a series of parkway closures enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sections of eight parkways or park roads totaling 21 lane miles are closed to motor vehicles and open to pedestrians to allow more space for trail users to follow social distancing practices and limit the spread of COVID-19.

The authorization to spend up to $250,000 includes costs already incurred for the closures, which started in late March. The closures will remain in place until the $250,000 is depleted, which MPRB staff estimate will take until at least the end of June.

Learn more about the parkway closures


Public health information: Slow the spread of COVID-19

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Supporting mental well-being over the long term

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It’s common to hear people say that coping with the coronavirus is a marathon and not a sprint. We have to prepare for the long haul. 

But how do we deal with all the uncertainty? It can be exhausting to think about running a sprint, let alone a marathon.

Consider the following steps when you think about increasing your own resilience for the long haul.

  1. The first step is creating insight into how the pandemic is impacting us in our day-to-day interactions with others and ourselves. We have to be honest with ourselves. Denial of impact can create more stress.
  2. Second, we must give the impact of step one specific names. The more we can define and label what we are experiencing, the better off our action plan will be. 
  3. The final step is action planning. With our awareness and naming what we are dealing with, we can create a plan that is intentional and, in turn, more impactful. If you need help, ask for it.

The attitude we carry throughout will be critical. Looking for meaning in our actions can lead to personal growth. Look for activities that fill you up. Take more time to slow down whether this is a moment to breathe or scheduled time off. Our experience can be a journey of growth or one of a burden.


Resources for businesses

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Resources for workers

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Minneapolis sick and safe time ordinance

Under the City’s sick and safe time ordinance, employers are required to provide access to sick leave (or more generous leave) to all employees in Minneapolis. Leave must be paid by employers (unless they employ five or fewer workers) and accrual and use balances must be provided on pay stubs.

An employee's accrued sick and safe time hours are legally protected for their use due to COVID-19 symptoms, testing or infection. Protection extends to the employee and the employee's care of a covered family member. Learn more about how COVID-19 impacts sick and safe time protections

Additional resources: 


Housing resources


City's cultural radio programs now weekly

Tune into the City's cultural radio programs for COVID-19 updates. The City has weekly programs on KMOJ 89.9 FM (English); La Raza 95.7 FM (Spanish); KALY 101.7 FM (Somali); and WIXK AM 1590 (Hmong.) Radio shows schedule


Updates from City partners


Community resources and ways to help

  • Community support: Learn how to help and find other community resources.
  • Hennepin County helpline for people impacted by COVID-19: 612-348-3000. The helpline is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Get help with clothing, financial assistance, groceries, medical care and equipment, and medication. Help is provided in multiple languages.
  • Hennepin County COVID-19 community resources 
  • Find tips from Meet Minneapolis on ways to support our local business community. 

Explore the city with Strolls Through the Streets virtual guide

Strolls Through the Streets provides information about 40+ venues in Minneapolis that you can enjoy without having to enter the building. The virtual guide features venues organized by neighborhood. You can also participate in a photo contest with a chance to win prizes. Learn more at doorsopenminneapolis.org/stroll.

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COVID 19 sign up

 

For reasonable accommodations or alternative formats please contact City Communications at communications@minneapolismn.gov.

People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users can call 612-263-6850.

Para asistencia 612-673-2700, Yog xav tau kev pab, hu 612-673-2800, Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 612-673-3500.

 

minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus