Coronavirus information and resources – UPDATED May 14
- Gov. Walz has extended is LIFTING the stay-at-home order effective May 18 and replacing it with a Stay Safe Minnesota order.
- These are the indicators the governor will use to make a decision about reinstituting a stay-home order.
- Businesses like restaurants, salons, and gyms remain closed, but are slated to reopen on June 1.
- Gov. Walz has extended school distance learning through the remainder of the school year.
- The Star Tribune maintains a running list of news you may have missed.
- The governor's office created a Coronavirus dashboard with the latest data.
- We have created a new portal for businesses to share their plans for how they would safely operate during this crisis, so we can begin thinking about how to reopen the economy.
ADDITIONAL NEWS
- A long list of resources for families with children from MMB.
- The federal Paycheck Protection Program is accepting applications again as of 4/27.
- Unemployment benefits are now available for self-employed workers, independent contractors, and other workers who aren't typically eligible.
- The Chamber of Commerce released best practices for businesses to open safely.
- The IRS has unveiled a website to help track your stimulus check.
- Eli Lilly has dropped the price of insulin to $35 for those with commercial insurance or no insurance at all.
- DEED has a helpful guide for small businesses that need help.
- All Minnesota nonprofit health plans are waiving cost-sharing for COVID-19 inpatient treatment and testing.
- Rural Finance Authority Disaster Recovery Loans are available to help farmers impacted by the coronavirus.
- Everything you need to know about the federal stimulus checks.
- The DNR has a list of outdoor activities that are open and closed.
- Mental health support for farmers and rural MN is still available. Farm advocates are available as well.
- Dept. of Labor has released a FAQ for employers and employees.
- The president postponed the deadline for REAL ID compliance.
- DPS has a FAQ about COVID-19 and expiring licenses, tabs, and more.
- The deadline to file your state AND federal income taxes has been moved to July 15.
- Minnesota has granted a 30 day grace period for sales and use tax payments for businesses that were required to suspend operations.
- The IRS has extended tax payment deadlines for individuals and businesses to July 15.
- More than half of deputy registrars offices are closed.
- Metro Transit is asking riders to wait for the next bus or light rail car if there are more than 15 passengers aboard (or 10 passengers for a 40-foot bus).
- Most cable companies, cell phone carriers, and electric utilities have waived late fees and will not disconnect service for the time being. Check with your providers for their specific plans.
- KSTP is keeping a running list of restaurants offering free lunches to students while schools are close.
- The University of Minnesota’s veterinary diagnostic lab and poultry testing labs will remain OPEN.
USEFUL RESOURCES
- UNEMPLOYMENT INFORMATION: Unemployment benefits will be expedited for workers impacted by the coronavirus.
- PROTECT YOURSELF: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has personal finance tips for navigating the coronavirus.
- HELP FOR SMALL BUSINESSES: The Small Business Administration is making disaster assistance available to impacted businessowners. DEED is making emergency loans available as well.
- Make sure to read this helpful guide for small businesses.
- INFO FOR WORKERS AND BUSINESSES: The Department of Employment and Economic Development has helpful information for:
- EMPLOYER COMPLIANCE: The Department of Labor and Industry has information regarding employer compliance issues and coronavirus.
- COURTS STATUS: The Minnesota Courts system providing regular updates outline which services have been suspended and which haven’t.
- CLOSED OR OPEN: The Star Tribune has a list of what is closed and open in Minnesota.
- CHILD CARE:
- A special hotline for child care providers: 1-888-234-1268.
- Parents and Guardians who need child care resources can call Child Care Aware of Minnesota at 1-888-291-9811 or go to www.parentaware.org.
- Child Care Provider guidance to mitigate the risk of COVID-19.
- MNSURE ELIGIBILITY/COVERAGE: MNsure is clarifying insurance options for those experiencing a change in income or unemployment
GENERAL INFORMATION
- THE PRIMARY SOURCE: The Department of Health’s primary COVID-19 page is constantly updated and is our primary source of the latest coronavirus news. It also includes information for individuals, businesses, and emergency responders.
- PREVENTION AND MITIGATION: MDH also has a list of strategies to slow the spread of coronavirus.
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: The CDC maintains an FAQ for all of your coronavirus questions.
- WHITE HOUSE GUIDANCE: The White House issued guidance to slow the spread of coronavirus over the next 15 days.
- COVID-19 AND PETS: The Humane Society has a comprehensive FAQ about coronavirus and your pets.