Dear Blaine Community,
I wanted to provide you with an update on the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the extension of the stay at home order through May 4, we are asking all Blaine residents to continue to follow the order and respect social and physical distancing when you need to make essential trips.

The closure of park playgrounds and park buildings will continue until further notice. When using open space and trails please continue to follow distancing practices and give others their space so that everyone feels comfortable getting outside. And please remember that this is not the time to plan any large gatherings, even if the cause seems worthy.

Even with city facilities closed to the public and many city staff working remotely the city is continuing to provide the services that Blaine residents count on each day. Inspections are continuing, often in a virtual setting. The city council has been conducting virtual meetings with ways for the public to still participate. Essential and important public works projects continue to move forward while taking measures to keep staff safe. Our first responders continue to shine as they serve the community through this time. These are just a few examples of the work that continues to be done.

This situation continues to change on a daily basis and we are committed to keeping you updated on changes to statewide orders and to City of Blaine operations. The city has developed a webpage full of information about the city’s emergency response as well as resources for residents and local businesses. All this information and more is available at BlaineMN.gov/COVID19. You are also encouraged to follow the city and the police department on social media. In addition, please remember to continue to support our local businesses.

We know that this is not easy, we would love to see the athletic fields full of kids at the National Sports Center, neighbors gathering for backyard picnics, and the patios at our favorite Blaine restaurants alive with activity. However, these stay at home measures are the right thing to do as we all work together to slow the spread and flatten the curve. Thank you to the entire Blaine community for your continued support as we all work together.

Captain Dan Pelkey
Blaine Emergency Management Director