PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATE

Update from Cynthia Borgen

Organizations across the county are changing their operations in response to this event. Before traveling to a location, be sure to check to see if there is an update on their website. If not, give them a call. Most organizations are trying to manage as many activities as possible over the phone and internet.

You are likely hearing a lot about the inability of our systems to provide testing for COVID-19 to all who would like to be tested. The guidance for testing has changed and will continue to shift based on the level of community spread, availability of testing components, and other factors yet to be identified.

What is important is that the message of ‘Stay Home When You Are Sick!’ is heard and accepted.

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BELTRAMI COUNTY ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE DIVISION...

Update from Anne Lindseth

In response to COVID-19 Beltrami County Income Maintenance, Employment Services and Child Support offices are limiting in-person contact. The office remains open to the public however we are practicing social distancing and limiting contact when possible per the direction of the CDC and the MN Department of Health.

We ask that you utilize online resources if possible to apply for public assistance programs through Applymn.dhs.mn.gov for cash, SNAP and emergency programs and MNSure.org for health care programs. If online resources are unavailable please call our office at 218-333-8300 to request an application be mailed to you. Paper applications are available outside our lobby area and we request you drop the application, or any other county program documents, in the available drop box. At this time phone interviews for public assistance programs are being offered in lieu of face to face interviews.