City of Minneapolis News Update: July 29, 2020

COVID-19
CoM news update

July 29, 2020


This newsletter provides updates on the City's response to COVID-19, an overview of recovery efforts underway, efforts to transform public safety and other important news and information from the City of Minneapolis.


Mayor Frey issues emergency regulation closing indoor bar spaces beginning 5 p.m. Aug. 1

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Mayor Jacob Frey issued an emergency regulation today aimed at curbing community spread of COVID-19 in Minneapolis bars and restaurants.

The regulation orders the closure of bar areas in restaurants, clubs, and other indoor spaces beginning 5 p.m. Aug. 1. Indoor table service, including at high tops, will be allowed under the regulation as long as patrons follow the existing state guidance.

The Minneapolis Health Department is reporting a rate of 18 new cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 per day while the statewide rate has remained closer to 11 per 100,000. Public health experts have attributed the higher rate to people congregating at bars, among other reasons. More than 50 percent of new cases in Minneapolis continue to be in young adults under age 35 who report increased exposure in bars and at gatherings of friends and family.

Read more about the emergency regulation

Watch the news conference.


Minneapolis sees a record increase in voting by mail

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More than 20,000 Minneapolis voters have mailed in their ballots early for the Aug. 11 State primary. The sharp increase comes as health officials and the City support voting early by mail to prevent the spread of COVID-19.   

Since mail-in voting for the State primary began June 26, the City has received a record 20,727 completed ballots. That’s more than three times higher than the total 6,006 mail ballots received during the State primary in 2018, which is the previous record for a State primary.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is encouraging voting early by mail, and Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services supports voting early by mail and other CDC and Minneapolis Department of Health recommendations to make sure every voter in Minneapolis can safely cast their ballots this election year. 

To make in-person voting safer, 50 of 125 polling places in Minneapolis are moving for the 2020 primary and general elections. The changes will help protect people living in residential facilities and provide more space to keep voters a safe distance from elections staff and each other.

Read more


National Night Out recommended date changes to Sept. 15 for 2020

The Minneapolis recommended National Night Out date for 2020 is Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Residents can find out if their block is already signed up by emailing crime.prevention@minneapolismn.gov. Registered block leaders received notices directly about closing their streets to hold their event, but a block without a block leader could still hold a COVID-19 safe event by spreading out across three or four yards to make enough space for physical distancing.

National Night Out is an annual nationwide event that encourages residents to get out in the community, holding block parties and getting to know their neighbors to prevent crime. It’s a great way to promote community-police partnerships and enjoy a Minnesota summer evening surrounded by friends and family.

Read more


City Council adopts revised 2020 City budget

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The City Council has approved Mayor Jacob Frey’s revised 2020 City budget proposal that addresses roughly $156 million in projected revenue losses because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The mayor and City Council have trimmed the budget through a combination of spending freezes, use of cash reserves, program cuts and employee furloughs. The revised City budget is approximately $1.5 billion. 

The first phase of the response to the economic impact of the pandemic included spending and hiring freezes that saved approximately $58 million. The revised budget plan adopted July 24 includes plans to offset approximately $100 million in additional revenue losses.

As part of the Council’s budget markup process, approximately $1.1 million has been shifted from the Minneapolis Police Department to the Health Department for violence prevention efforts. In addition, the City added $100,000 to the budget to support initial community engagement in the co-creation of a vision for a permanent memorial for George Floyd.

The mayor will present a recommended 2021 City budget to the City Council later this summer. Learn more about the City budget at minneapolismn.gov/budget.


Statewide mask mandate in effect

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Minnesotans are required to wear a face covering in indoor businesses and indoor public settings. Researchers have advocated for masking, calling it a simple and effective step to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 

The state regulation reinforces Mayor Jacob Frey’s emergency regulation requiring people in Minneapolis to wear cloth face masks or coverings when they are in an indoor place of public accommodation is in effect.

Businesses are not required to provide masks to customers or employees themselves, though employers shall be required to mandate the use of masks by their staff. Non-compliance should be reported through 311. 

Donate homemade face masks at Minneapolis fire stations for Mask Drive Mondays 

Minneapolis residents can deliver homemade masks to their local fire station from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Monday for Mask Drive Mondays. The City plans to distribute the donated masks throughout Minneapolis to residents, organizations and businesses that are most in need, including food shelves, congregate living facilities, small corner stores and shelters.


State executive order suspending evictions extended until Aug. 12; rental assistance available through Hennepin County

The governor's latest extension of the peacetime emergency means that the suspension of evictions and landlord-initiated lease terminations remains in place until Aug. 12.

This suspension will allow households to remain sheltered during the peacetime emergency. The executive order does not relieve a tenant's obligation to pay rent.

While the eviction moratorium continues, housing providers can evict a tenant when the tenant violates a lease by endangering the safety of others, engaging in certain illegal activities, or significantly damaging property. Evictions can also proceed if the homeowner or their family member needs to move into the premises or if a writ of recovery was issued prior to March 24 at 5 p.m.

Hennepin County offers emergency rental assistance for residents with low incomes who have been financially harmed by COVID-19. Residents can learn more and apply at www.hennepin.us/rent-help.


Pet vaccinations available at Minneapolis Animal Care & Control by appointment

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Minneapolis Animal Care & Control is now offering low-cost pet vaccinations by appointment to follow safe COVID-19 guidelines and ensure there aren’t too many people in the shelter at one time. Getting animals vaccinated is an important public health and safety service, and we want to help pets live happy, healthy lives.

Services: Rabies vaccination: $10; DA2PP (distemper combination for dogs) vaccination: $10; PRC (distemper combination for cats) vaccination: $10; and microchip: $10.

Because of capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic, this is only open to residents of Minneapolis who have or buy a current pet license. Residents can sign up for an appointment using this form or by calling 311 or 612-673-6222. Appointments are available 1-4 p.m. on most Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Residents can sign up for an appointment using this form or by calling 311 or 612-673-6222. Appointments are available 1-4 p.m. on most Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.


Public health information: Slow the spread of COVID-19

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City's Cultural Radio Programs

Tune into the City's cultural radio programs for COVID-19 updates. The City has 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


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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.

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