FAQs • Blaine, MN • CivicEngage

What are critical services?

Critical services include, but are not limited to:

Health care and public health
Pharmacy
Law enforcement, public safety, and first responders
Child care
Homeless shelters
Food and agriculture
News media
Energy
Water and wastewater
Critical manufacturing

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COVID-19 FAQ

Yes.

Blaine parks remain open to use the trails and walking paths.
However, the buildings and shelters are closed.

Park users are asked to only visit the park with immediate family while remaining six feet away
from all other individuals and families to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

2. Are grocery stores open?: Yes.
Grocery stores are open but may have altered their hours. Check the grocery store’s Facebook page, website, or call ahead before planning a trip. Some grocery stores have special hours for seniors only or healthcare/first-responders.

3. Are pharmacies open?: Yes.
Pharmacies are considered an essential service. You are allowed to go to the pharmacy to pick up prescriptions. However, if you are a senior citizen or an at-risk individual, please consider asking someone to pick up your prescriptions for you.

4. Can I still order takeout or delivery from restaurants?

Yes.

Restaurants and breweries can continue to provide takeout and delivery services, as well as, delivery from services such as DoorDash or GrubHub. Dine-in is closed at all restaurants and bars across the state until

Friday, May 1 at 5PM

Please call ahead when picking up to reduce time at the restaurant.

5. Can I get groceries or packages delivered to my home?: Yes.
You can still receive packages, get groceries delivered, and get meal service delivery. Note that some delivery services may have restrictions requiring contactless delivery or leaving items at your door instead of handing it off.

6. Can we visit family and friends?: Caring for a family member, friend, or pet from a different household or transporting them from one place to another is still allowed. But, if at all possible physically distance yourself from everyone except your immediate family or those you must care for.

7. How long should we stay home?

The stay-at-home order takes effect

Friday, March 27 at 11:59PM

and ends on

Friday, April 10 at 5PM,

but could be extended if the outbreak warrants it.

8. Will public transportation, ride-sharing, taxis, and planes continue?: Public transportation, ride-sharing, taxis, and planes should only be used for essential travel.

9. Who does the order apply to?: The order applies to the entire State of Minnesota.
Similar orders have been made in other states. Unless you work
for an essential business or you are doing an essential activity, you are asked to stay home.

10. How will this be enforced?

Staying home is critical to reducing the spread of COVID-19 in your community.
Adhering to the order will save lives, and it is the responsibility of every Blaine resident to do their part.

However, if the order is not followed, the
Minnesota State Patrol will work with local law enforcement to enforce this order.

The Blaine Police Department will be doing compliance checks as needed throughout this time.

11. I work for an essential business. Will I be allowed to travel to and from work?: Law enforcement will not be stopping drivers on their way to and from work,
traveling for an essential activity such as going to the grocery store, or just taking a walk.

12. What is an essential business?

Essential businesses and services include but are not limited to:

Hospitals
Clinics
Pharmacies
State Legislature
Police Stations
Fire Stations
Grocery Stores
Food Shelves
Convenience Stores
Liquor Stores
Child Care Facilities
News Organizations
Gas Stations
Garbage Pickup

13. What types of businesses are closed?

Business types which are closed during the Stay at Home Order include but are not limited to:

Dine-in restaurants
Bars and nightclubs
Entertainment venues
Gyms and fitness studios
Salons and barber shops
Museums
Arcades
Bowling alleys
Movie theaters
Concert halls
Country clubs
Zoos
Tattoo parlors

14. What is an essential activity?

Essential activities include but are not limited to:

Relocation to ensure safety
Health and safety activities
Picking up necessary supplies and services
Outdoor activity (while social distancing)
Essential intrastate and interstate travel
Taking care of others
Tribal activities and lands
Displacement (moving between shelters)

15. Can I go to medical appointments and the pharmacy?: Yes.
You can go medical appointments and the pharmacy.
Please keep 6 feet between yourself and others whenever possible.

16. Can I walk my dog or do other outdoor activities?: Yes.
You may engage in outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, running, biking, driving for pleasure, hunting, or fishing.
You may also go to available public parks and other public recreation lands.
Please keep 6 feet between yourself and others.

17. Things you can do?

You can:

Go to the grocery store
Go to medical appointments and the pharmacy
Get take-out, delivery, or drive through from nearby restaurants
Walk your dog, ride your bike, be in nature
Pick up essentials for neighbors or loved ones in need of assistance

Please keep 6 feet between yourself and others.

18. Things you should not do?

You should not:

Go to work unless providing an essential service.
Socialize or gather in groups.
Visit loved ones in the hospital or nursing home, except under limited circumstances.

Please keep 6 feet between yourself and others.

19. What are the distance learning guidelines?: Distance learning periods for students at public and charter schools are:
Monday, March 30 to
Monday, May 4

20. How long do closed businesses have to remain closed?: Bars, restaurants, and other public accommodations are closed until
Friday, May 1 at 5PM

21. Will my garbage and recycling service continue?: Garbage and recycling services will continue on your regularly scheduled garbage day.

22. When does yard waste collection begin?: Yard waste collection is scheduled to begin on:
Monday, April 6

23. What are critical services?

Critical services include, but are not limited to:

Health care and public health
Pharmacy
Law enforcement, public safety, and first responders
Child care
Homeless shelters
Food and agriculture
News media
Energy
Water and wastewater
Critical manufacturing

24. Distance Learning Period for Students: Monday, March 30 - Monday, May 4

25. Closure of Bars, Restaurants, and Other Public Accommodations: Tuesday, March 17, 5PM - Friday, May 1, 5PM

26. Minnesota Stay at Home Order: Friday, March 27, 11:59PM - Friday, April 10, 5PM

Categories

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COVID-19 FAQ

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.