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Language Support Services

If you have questions related to COVID-19 and require language support services, please contact 651-201-3920 and a representative from the Minnesota Department of Health can assist you.

Language Resources
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COVID-19 vaccines starting to arrive in Minnesota

COVID-19 vaccines are currently in Phase 1a of distribution, which includes the following groups:

  • Healthcare personnel which includes hospital staff working with patients who may have COVID-19, staff in skilled nursing facilities or nursing homes, emergency medical services personnel who provide direct patient care, COVID-19 testers and COVID-19 vaccinators.
  • Long-term care residents.

COVID-19 vaccine is not yet available for the general public. We must continue to wear masks, socially distance, wash our hands frequently and stay home if we are sick to make sure as few people as possible get COVID-19 until a vaccine is widely available.

The next groups able to get the vaccine (Phases 1b and 1c) include frontline essential workers, adults 65 years and older, people with high-risk medical conditions, and other essential workers. We do not know when the next phase will begin. The Minnesota Department of Health will continue to communicate about new phases of vaccination as more supply becomes available.

Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine.

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COVID-19 Testing Options in Saint Paul

The State of Minnesota and Ramsey County have opened COVID-19 testing sites that are free and open to everyone who believes they need to be tested, with or without symptoms. 

The COVID-19 Test at Home program is now available to all Minnesotans across the state. 

The State offers saliva testing at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium. Appointments can be made through the Vault Health registration site. For more information about saliva testing available in Saint Paul, please visit COVID-19 Community Saliva Testing.

Free nasal swab testing is available in Saint Paul. No insurance and no ID is required. Drive-thru and walk-thru testing will be available with interpreters onsite. Appointments are strongly encouraged, and in some cases, required. More details at ramseycounty.us/testingsites. Additional testing locations are open throughout the state. 

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City of Saint Paul Updates

The City of Saint Paul government continues to provide services and respond to the needs of our community in alignment with both the Governor's Stay Safe MN plan and guidance from public health officials. We’ll be sending regular email updates about the City’s response to COVID-19. Subscribe to our COVID-19 bulletin.​ 

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    Executive order 2020-09 requires face masks to be worn indoors in all city-controlled facilities and at all businesses licensed by the City of Saint Paul at all times when social distancing of at least 6 feet is not maintained.  

    The order will apply to all individuals except young children at risk of suffocation and persons who cannot medically tolerate wearing a face covering. Acceptable face coverings include manufactured or homemade cloth face coverings, and are not required to be medical-grade masks.  Face coverings must fully cover a person’s nose and mouth.  

    All businesses in Saint Paul are also strongly encouraged to include a requirement that all individuals wear a face covering at all times when social distancing of at least 6 feet is not maintained in their COVID-19 Preparedness Plan under Governor Walz’ Executive Order 20-56.

    • La ciudad de Saint Paul ha acordado una política de cobertura de cara que esta vigente a partir del 1ero de Junio. Esta política requiere que toda persona que visite una de las locaciones en control de la ciudad y cualquier negocio que tenga una licencia de la ciudad use una mascarilla de cara cuando no sea posible mantener la distancia de al menos 6 feet/2 metros entre personas.
    • Saint Paul txoj cai npog ntsej muag pib lub 6 hli ntuj hnub tim 1. Txoj cai hais tias yus yuav tsum npog ntsej muag thaum mus rau hauv  Saint Paul cov tsev thiab cov lag luam thaum siv kev nyob nrug deb ntawm lwm tus li 6 feet.
    • Nidaamka daboolaya wajiyada Magaalada  ayaa dhaqan galay Juun 1.  Siyaasaddu waxay u baahan tahay waji-bixin wajiga in lagu xiro gudaha dhammaan xarumaha magaalada laga xukumo iyo dhammaan meheradaha ay Ruqsad ka siisay Magaalada marwalba markii fogeynta bulshada ugu yaraan 6 fuudh aan la ilaalin karin.
    • Imaamatni magaalaa ‘Saint Paul’ fuula aguuggachuu ilaallatu Waxabajjii 1 irraa eegalee raawwatamaa jira. Imaamatni kun manneen fi bakka daldalaa magaalichan to’ataman akkasumas hayyama qaban keessatti yeroo miilla 6 wal irraa fagaachuun mijataa hintaanetti maskii fuulaa uffachuu dirqisiisa.
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    Mayor Carter has announced a set of fine, fee and collection relief measures in response to the economic impact of COVID-19 affecting businesses and residents. The measures include a reduction in business license fees, business license renewal extensions, suspending all dunning and collection processes through June 30th, and delaying multi-year street assessments that would be levied this year until 2021. Learn more about these measures.

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    Mayor Melvin Carter announced today the launch of a local consumer financial protection planning effort in partnership with the national nonprofit organization the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund), and the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Saint Paul will begin planning a communications campaign to raise consumer awareness of and protect residents from COVID-19 related scams and continue planning in the coming months for broader consumer financial protection capabilities within the City

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    To address growing food insecurity in Saint Paul due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City is partnering with Youthprise, Arts-Us, and the Sanneh Foundation to provide free meal service to Saint Paul families in need. Learn more at stpaul.gov/free-meals.

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    The City of Saint Paul is grateful for all of the community members who have expressed interest in donating personal protective equipment (PPE) to assist the City's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The City is currently accepting donations for some items. Donations must be in unopened, original packaging in accordance with approved medical standards. Learn more and get involved.

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Department Updates

Some departments may offer limited or modified services during the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with public health guidelines.

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    The Saint Paul City Council invites the community to view Council meetings online amid COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the public may view City Council meetings online at stpaul.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx or on local cable Channel 18.

    The public may comment on public hearing items in writing or via voicemail. Any comments and materials submitted by noon of the day before the meeting will be attached to the public record and available for review by the City Council. Written public comment on public hearing items can be submitted to Contact-Council@ci.stpaul.mn.us, CouncilHearing@ci.stpaul.mn.us, or by voicemail at 651-266-6805. 

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    All Saint Paul Fire Department fire stations remain fully operational, but are closed to the public at this time. The following activities have been canceled or postponed: 

    • All participation in community engagement events has been canceled. 
    • Safe Haven smoke and carbon monoxide alarm installations and home safety surveys have been postponed. 
    • All child passenger safety seat inspections and trainings have been canceled. 
    • Walk-in blood pressure checks at fire stations are not available. 

    The Saint Paul Fire Department participated in Governor Walz’s statewide homemade mask drive on Saturday, April 25. Saint Paul residents donated an incredible 7,400 homemade masks to their local fire stations.

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    Most library Saint Paul Public Library locations offer Library Express services which include picking up requested items; checking out books, DVDs, and music, and using the copy, scan, fax, and express print services. Learn more at sppl.org/libraryexpress.

    George Latimer Central and Hamline Midway locations continue to offer contactless pickup. Learn more at sppl.org/contactless.

    Saint Paul Public Library is offering computer access at select locations. Call 651-266-7000, Monday-Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. or Saturday between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to schedule an hour to use the computer with internet and printer access. Find more information at sppl.org/computers-technology/. 

    The library's Bookmobile visits 30 locations a month to offer and contactless holds pickup and free wi-fi access, powered by Verizon. Please visit sppl.org/bookmobile for more details.

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    Find the latest information about the status of Parks and Recreation amenities, programs, and facilities at www.stpaul.gov/parks-covid19. 

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    The Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) is adapting its services to align with public health official guidelines.

    Customers will be able to drop off paperwork and payments and pick up plans by using a drop-box at our office at 375 Jackson Street, Ste. 220, Saint Paul. Please call 651-266-8989 before traveling downtown to determine if you need to come to our offices. Lobby hours are 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; however, calls are taken from 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

    We also encourage you to check out alternate ways to conduct your business with DSI online.  Field inspections and complaint follow-ups are ongoing, in alignment with official public health guidance. 

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    Saint Paul Regional Water Services’ drinking water treatment process effectively safeguards from viruses such as the flu virus and the coronavirus. Learn more at stpaul.gov/water.

    Water shut offs due to inability to pay the water bill are suspended until further notice.

    Water shut offs due to a failure to respond to a code violation notification are in place.

    Temporary water shut offs due to construction or emergency maintenance activities continue during this time.
    Water service will be restored as soon possible during construction or emergency maintenance events.

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State of Minnesota Updates

Governor Walz announced updates on COVID-19 health guidelines that go into effect on Jan. 11, 2021.

  • Social Gatherings (no change from previous Executive Orders): Indoor gatherings are not recommended, but Minnesotans may gather inside with one other household (up to 10 people) and up to two additional households outside (up to 15 people). Masking and social distancing is strongly encouraged.
  • Gyms and fitness studios: May open at 25% capacity (up to 150 people), with masks and 9 feet of physical distancing between individuals. Group classes may resume up to 25 people, if physical distance can be observed. 
  • Youth and adult sports: Games can resume Jan. 14 with limited spectators.
  • Entertainment venues: Movie theaters, bowling alleys, museums, and other indoor entertainment venues can reopen at 25% capacity (up to 150 people) with masks required. Outdoor venues are open at 25% capacity (up to 250 people) and masks are recommended. No food service after 10 p.m. 
  • Bars, restaurants, and breweries: Indoor service may resume at 50% capacity (up to 150 people.) Outdoor dining will follow the same guidance. Each table is limited to six people, and tables must be at least six feet apart. Bar seating is limited to parties of two people. All establishments must close in-person service between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Delivery, window, walk-up, or drive-up service is open and encouraged.
  • Pools and swim parks: May open at 25% capacity. 
  • Elementary Schools (no change from previous Executive Orders): Elementary school across the state may choose to operate an in-person learning model as long as they are able to implement additional mitigation strategies. Learn about Saint Paul Public Schools' (SPPS) plan to reopen and the updated Safe Learning Plan for all schools across Minnesota.

More information on these announcements can be found at staysafe.mn.gov.

Governor Walz's Face Covering Order

Governor Walz’s face covering order is now effect. Wearing a face covering is a simple way to prevent the spread of COVID-19, allowing everyone to safely leave their homes more frequently. Click here to watch a video about mask do's and don'ts from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).  

Minnesotans will be required to wear a face covering in all indoor public spaces and businesses (including waiting outdoors to enter), unless alone. Exceptions include medical/mental health concerns, children under 5, and workers for whom a mask would create a job hazard. View the MDH FAQ on Governor Walz’s order.

Business owners must take reasonable steps to enforce the Governor's face covering requirement for workers, customers, and visitors. Ramsey County and City of Saint Paul will be supporting direct distribution to high-priority businesses unable to access this site, including those owned by people of color located in areas with higher numbers of COVID cases. Contact Clare Verbeten at 651-266-8922 at the City, or Prince Corbett at 612-430-0897 (or racialequity@ramseycounty.us) at Ramsey County for questions regarding this focused distribution.  

Other business requirements can be found under the "Businesses' obligations under the Executive Order" headline on the Minnesota Department of Health’s website. #MaskUpMN materials for business owners are also available for download.
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COVID-19 Scams

Be aware of scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding COVID-19 vaccines. Help protect yourself from threats and be on the lookout for phishing emails and fraud:

  • COVID antibody tests: The FBI says con artists are advertising fake COVID-19 antibody tests in hopes of harvesting personal information they can use in identity theft or health insurance scams.
  • COVID vaccine registration scams: Be suspect of emails requesting information in order to register for vaccine trials or other related programs. 
  • Contact tracing: Messages from actual contact tracers working for public health agencies will not include any links or ask you for money or personal data.
  • Ask for donations: Be skeptical of fundraising calls or emails for COVID-19 victims or virus research, especially if they pressure you to act fast and request payment by prepaid debit cards or gift cards.
  • Appear to be from someone you know asking for personal information: Even if the sender appears to know you, never provide account information/passwords via email. Also, do not reply to the message; instead reach out to your contact individually to clarify.

To report a scam or other consumer problem related to COVID-19, use the Federal Trade Commission's Complaint Assistant at ftc.gov/complaint.

Last Edited: January 16, 2021