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Nov. 18, 2020
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View this email through Google Translate: Español | Hmoob | Soomaali
New Stay Safe Minnesota Executive Order
COVID-19 is spreading rapidly across Minnesota. We are now at a critical point in this pandemic and all of us must step up individually and collectively with family and community to take basic health precautions – wearing masks, social distancing, washing hands and surfaces frequently, staying home when sick and getting tested – as well as following new orders Gov. Tim Walz has issued to Stay Safe Minnesota.
Walz’s new Stay Safe Minnesota order includes targeted steps driven by public health research and data that have found the highest-risk places and the most significant ways COVID-19 spreads in the state. The steps address several areas:
- Private indoor and outdoor social gatherings
- Weddings, funerals, receptions and celebrations at event venues
- Restaurants and bars.
Walz is scheduled to announce additional restrictions later today which could include temporarily prohibitions of new activities and changes to previously announced guidelines.
Learn more about the latest Stay Safe Minnesota updates.
Relief programs
If you’ve been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and measures to prevent the spread, help is available through several Ramsey County programs:
Additional updates on these programs are available below.
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Free saliva testing available at home, or at community sites
The state of Minnesota is now offering no-cost at-home COVID-19 saliva testing for all Minnesotans. Anyone who feels they need to be tested, with or without symptoms, can sign up to have a free saliva testing kit sent to their home.
Learn more and order a test kit:
English | ESPAÑOL | SOOMAALIDA TIẾNG VIỆT | HMOOB
In-person saliva testing continues to be offered in Saint Paul. The saliva test may feel more comfortable than a nasal swab, and is available seven days a week at no cost. Saliva testing is not right for those with low saliva production, such as children under age 4 or someone who has suffered a stroke.
What to expect at saliva testing sites:
- Testing is available to anyone who believes they need to be tested, with or without symptoms. Identification is not required. An email address and phone number is needed to receive results.
- Insurance not required. If you do have insurance, bring your card.
- The test is completely free, with or without insurance, and you will not receive a bill.
Monday - Friday (noon - 7 p.m.)
Saturday - Sunday (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Roy Wilkins Auditorium, next to RiverCentre 175 W. Kellogg Blvd., Saint Paul, MN 55102
Schedule appointment with Vault Health
COVID-19 testing parking and entrance map (PDF)
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Texting program to reach positive cases, close contacts
Minnesota is expanding its toolkit for case investigation and contact tracing by notifying people via text that the health department will be calling. The initiative aims to more effectively reach and inform those who test positive for COVID-19 and their close contacts.
A text message will let them know that a case interviewer from state, local or tribal health departments will be calling to discuss their COVID-19 test results or potential exposure. The text message is simple: "Answer the Call: State and local public health department staff will be calling you with important information about your health."
Learn more.
Resiliency Fund accepting applications through Nov. 30
The Ramsey County Resiliency Fund will invest in community organizations that provide workforce, employment, food and basic needs, and health and well-being services to residents in 2020. The fund is an initiative of the Ramsey County Investment and Support Efforts program.
Applications are currently being accepted through Nov. 30 at noon.
Organizations may be eligible for multiple areas of the fund. A separate application will be required for each area.
This Resiliency Fund will be administered on behalf of the county by SPEDCO.
Learn more and apply.
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COVID-19 Community Conversation today, Nov. 18, with Dr. Lynne Ogawa
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Applications open for Small Business Relief Fund grants
Ramsey County continues to provide emergency assistance to small local businesses adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning Nov. 18, a third round of applications will be accepted for the Small Business Relief Fund, providing grants of up to $15,000 to small businesses and self-employed entrepreneurs.
For the third round of awards, grants will be awarded to help pay for critical expenses such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities and costs associated with reopening. Small businesses with 75 or fewer employees are encouraged to apply. Businesses that have already received funding through Ramsey County’s Small Business Relief Fund are also eligible for consideration.
Learn more and apply.
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Youth and Young Adult Employment Community Conversation on Dec. 1
In early December, Ramsey County Workforce Solutions will host a week of virtual events and activities for local youth and young adults. Level Up Week is a new initiative for residents ages 14-24 to learn more about themselves and their futures.
As part of Level Up Week, an online community conversation about youth and young adult employment in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will be held. The Dec. 1 conversation includes a brief summary of the county’s workforce effort to date in response to COVID-19, a look at employment data for youth and young adults, and a chance to converse as community stakeholders on challenges and opportunities. All are welcome.
We especially encourage participation from community members and providers that have been previously engaged in youth and young adult employment efforts, as well as individuals or groups who’ve received or provide services in response to the pandemic.
Learn more.
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New community partner Career Lab locations available
Community Career Labs provide free computer access, printing and copying, digital literacy programs, job search and resume assistance and other workforce support programs for job seekers and residents impacted by COVID-19. All sites require face coverings, and follow public health guidelines for layout and cleaning.
Community Career Labs are available at Ramsey County Service Centers in Downtown Saint Paul, Maplewood and Roseville, and Dayton’s Bluff, Rice Street, Rondo Community Library and Sun Ray locations of Saint Paul Public Library. New community partner sites include the Truce Center and Evangelist Temple Outreach center.
Reservations are required at most locations. Many same-day, walk-up appointments are also available at all sites.
Learn more.
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Did you lose your job due to COVID-19?
The new Job Connect online job board connects residents and employers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This employment platform has many unique features including:
- The ability to search for jobs by transit accessibility.
- Search on an interactive map using keyword and location.
To experience the interactive job board, visit ramseycounty.us/jobconnect. Job seekers are also encouraged to subscribe to the Job Seeker Services newsletter to receive targeted job alerts and training information.
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Second round of applications open for Landlord Assistance program
Are you a landlord in Ramsey County and have tenants who have been unable to make rent payments as a result of COVID-19?
The Ramsey County Landlord Assistance program provides one-time grants to landlords for up to $20,000 per rental unit for tenants' missed rent payments and/or unpaid fees from March 1, 2020 through Dec. 30, 2020 due to COVID-19.
Learn more.
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Donate masks to the A Mask for Everyone initiative
The A Mask for Everyone initiative is currently accepting unused, homemade cloth masks to provide to Ramsey County residents in need of masks.
Ramsey County’s COVID-19 Racial Equity and Community Engagement Response Team launched the initiative this summer to ensure that individuals and families, specifically racially, ethnically and culturally diverse communities, have access to:
- A homemade mask to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
- Accurate and up-to-date information about the importance of wearing a mask.
- Instructions on proper use and care of homemade masks.
Help keep our community safe by donating homemade cloth masks by mail or at a collection box.
Learn more about donating masks.
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Social distanced outdoor fall and winter fun
Ramsey County’s parks, trails and open spaces have become a source of stress relief and physical activity for many during this difficult year, allowing visitors to strike a balance between social distancing and feeling a sense of connection to nature and their community.
While the cold weather may change the way people enjoy the outdoors, there are still plenty of opportunities for fun – hiking, biking, sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are just the tip of the iceberg.
Explore some winter time offerings through Ramsey County Parks & Recreation.
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COVID-19 update from the Nov. 17 board of commissioners meeting
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