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COVID-19 Business/State/Government Resources
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The Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce has created this webpage as a resource to help serve our business, non-profit, and community partners with news and information about COVID-19. This page will be updated on a regular basis.
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Latest Executive Order from Governor Tim Walz
On Thursday, May 13, 2021, Governor Tim Walz announced that he will be lifting the mask mandate for Minnesota starting Friday, May 14, 2021. This new Executive Order comes after the Centers for Disease Control announced new guidelines for people who have received the COVID-19 vaccination. These new guidelines will allow people to stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings. Check out the links below for more information.
On Thursday, May 5, 2021, Governor Tim Walz announced a three step process that will end nearly all of Minnesota's COVID-19 restrictions by May 28, 2021, and end the statewide masking requirement by July 1, 2021, at the latest.
The three phases of this processes are the following:Step one takes place at noon on Friday, May 7, 2021. It includes initial steps to relax some restrictions, primarily in outdoor settings.
- Removes limits for outdoor dining, events, and other get-togethers, and ends the mask requirement outdoors except at large venues with over 500 people.
- Eliminates the state-established mandatory closing time for bars, restaurants, and food and beverage service at other places of public accommodation.
The second step begins on Friday, May 28, 2021. Remaining capacity and distancing limits will come to an end, including for indoor events and gatherings. The requirements that will remain include:- Face coverings indoors and for outdoor events that exceed 500 people.
- There will be no new safety requirements for businesses, though they must maintain their plans to keep their employees and customers safe - as they have from the beginning of the pandemic - guided by only minimal universal state guidance document.
The third step takes place once 70% of Minnesotans age 16 years and older get at least one dose of the vaccine, but no later than Thursday, July 1, 2021.- The remaining face covering requirement and the requirement for preparedness plans will end. Work on vaccines will continue, and local jurisdictions and entities may set their own mask policies.
Get a fully detailed report on all of the new dialed back COVID-19 restrictions and regulations HERE.
Minnesota Vaccination Information
As part of the State of Minnesota's efforts to be informative and transparent about the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, the Minnesota COVID-19 response team has developed an online dashboard with the latest information about the distribution of the vaccine.
The State of Minnesota is committed to the equitable distribution of a safe, FDA-approved vaccine for protection against COVID-19. Planning has commenced, and the first doses are already being administered to health care workers and those living in long-term care facilities.- Get the latest vaccine data HERE
- Learn about how the vaccine is being distributed HERE
- Learn about the upcoming phases of vaccine distribution HERE
- Sign up for the Minnesota Vaccine Connector HERE
- Learn how to get involved as an employer with the new Minnesota Health Department Vaccine Toolkit HERE
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Resources For Businesses Dealing with Impacts of COVID-19
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DEED is working closely with the U.S. Department of Labor, the Walz-Flanagan Administration, and the Minnesota Legislature to take proactive steps to ensure the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic do not cause unnecessary burdens on employers and workers in Minnesota.
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Information to help understand the role that Unemployment Insurance can play in your business planning.
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Resources to help companies continue to operate and keep paychecks flowing to American workers and families, while mobilizing the business community to combat the pandemic.
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COVID-19 resource documents compiled by Dakota County departments and programs.
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Information and updates for retailers and service industry organization in regards to best practices during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
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The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.The Small Business Administration will work directly with the state to provide loans to small businesses and non-profits that have been impacted by COVID-19.
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Information regarding the trades, license exams, and workers compensation.
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Read President Neel Kashkari’s statement, view and listen to his media appearances, learn about the Board of Governors' actions, and access COVID-19-related public health resources
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This website provides the latest information on COVID-19 for the State of Minnesota. Find everything from the State's recent responses and newsletters to stats and resources about the pandemic.
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General Information and Resources for COVID-19
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Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Updates: Learn More
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Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for businesses: Learn More
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Governor Tim Walz & Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan latest press releases and statements regarding COVID-19: Learn More
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Minnesota COVID-19 Hotline
The Minnesota Department of Health has public hotlines to answer COVID-19 questions.
Health questions:
651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903
7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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