|
Like communities across our nation, we’ve been closely monitoring the unfolding of the situation around the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. The City is working diligently to respond to the needs of our residents, businesses, and partners.
We’ll be sending regular email updates about the City’s response to COVID-19. Please subscribe to our COVID-19 bulletin.For up-to-date information, visit stpaul.gov/coronavirus or follow the City of Saint Paul on Facebook or Twitter.
SITUATION UPDATE
- Mayor Carter declared a State of Local Emergency on March 15. The declaration permits Saint Paul Emergency Management to request and coordinate the appropriate aid and resources from surrounding jurisdictions, including the Ramsey County Division of Emergency Management, Homeland Security, and the State of Minnesota as needed. It also permits city departments to coordinate to quickly mobilize available resources and conduct immediate purchasing and contracting.
- All Saint Paul Public Libraries, Parks, and Recreation Center facilities — including the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory — are closed to the public.
- In alignment with public health official guidance, the City will not issue new permits that involve gatherings of 50 or more people.
- Saint Paul’s residential garbage and recycling services will continue as normal.
- Saint Paul Regional Water Services’ drinking water treatment process effectively safeguards from viruses such as the flu virus and the coronavirus. Learn more here. As of March 12, all water shutoffs are suspended for 30 days.
- Beginning the week of March 23, City Councilmembers will be able to participate in City Council meetings virtually by calling in to the meeting. The public will continue to be able to listen to all City Council business discussed online.
- Worker’s compensation coverage will be provided for Saint Paul Fire Fighters and Police Officers who are exposed to or contract COVID-19 on duty.
- Mayor Carter has requested Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher suspend all evictions in the City of Saint Paul.
- The Department of Safety & Inspections continues to support construction and business activity by adapting work to align with public health guidance.
PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION
The City is coordinating closely with our public health partners at Ramsey County and the Minnesota Department of Health and following their recommendations. Health officials recommend taking the same precautions for COVID-19 as you would for avoiding colds and the flu.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or a tissue, not your hand.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Stay home when you are sick.
People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 can stay at home during their illness. They should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19. If you don’t have a health care provider or are uninsured, contact a federally qualified Community Health Center.
SMALL BUSINESS & WORKFORCE
The City's working with state, county, business, and foundation partners to quickly develop business support resources.
Current support from our partners include:
- The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is urgently gathering information from impacted business and non-profit owners to activate the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.
- If your employment has been affected by COVID-19, you can apply for unemployment benefits. The State is taking steps to make the application process a little simpler for those affected.
-
DEED also offers a Shared Work Program which may help businesses avoid layoffs. The program allows employers to divide available hours of work among a group of employees instead of implementing a full layoff. These employees may then receive partial unemployment insurance benefits while working reduced hours.
- Ramsey County will be leading a consolidated effort with Saint Paul economic development partners to help ready and recover businesses and the workforce from the impacts of COVID-19. Visit ramseycountymeansbusiness.com/covid-19 for more resources for businesses.
UPDATES FROM OUR PARTNERS
Ramsey County to suspend non-emergency walk-up services through March 23.
Hennepin County is closing all public-facing services at all 41 libraries, human service centers, and licensing service centers through April 6.
Metro Transit is suspending all bus and train service between 11 p.m. and 4:30 a.m.
RESOURCES
-
School and Child Care Questions: There is a state hotline open for school and child care questions for Minnesota residents that is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. everyday of the week: 651-297-1304.
-
The Minnesota Department of Health provides situation updates on the disease’s spread within the state, as well as frequently asked questions available here.
-
Health Questions: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903. This hotline is staffed by the MN Department of Health and will be operating from 7AM-7PM.
|
