Coronavirus shutdown resource page
Information on what
to do if you get sick
As of April 6, Todd County has no lab confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19). Due to a shortage of COVID-19 testing materials, local transmission of the virus may be occurring in Todd County. Most people who do get sick with COVID-19 will have only mild illness and should recover at home. Care at home can help stop the spread of COVID-19 and help protect people who are at risk for getting seriously ill from COVID-19.
If you are caring for yourself or someone at home:
• Monitor for emergency signs. If you develop emergency warning signs of COVID-19, get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse or bluish lips or face.
• Prevent the spread of germs. COVID-19 spreads between people who are in close contact (within approximately six feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• Have the person stay in one room: away from other people, including yourself, as much as possible.
• Avoid sharing personal household items, like dishes, towels, and bedding
• If facemasks are available. Wear them when they’re around people, including you.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Especially after interacting with the sick person.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Every day, clean all surfaces that are touched often; like counters, tabletops and doorknobs
• Wash laundry thoroughly. If laundry is soiled, wear disposable gloves and keep the soiled items away from your body while laundering. Wash your hands immediately after removing gloves.
• Avoid having any unnecessary visitors.
• Treat symptoms. For most people, symptoms last a few days and get better after a week.
• Make sure the sick person drinks a lot of fluids to stay hydrated and rests at home.
• Over the counter medicines may help some symptoms.
• Carefully consider when to end home isolation: (staying at home). People can stop home isolation under the following conditions:
• They have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use medicine that reduces fevers)
AND
• Other symptoms have improved (for example, when their cough or shortness of breath have improved)
AND
• At least seven days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
For more information go to CDC: cdc.gov.
Todd County’s website for the public is: co.todd.mn.us.
As this situation rapidly changes continue to check the website for updates.
The Minnesota Department of Health has set up the following hotlines to answer questions:
• Community mitigation (schools, child care, business) questions: 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Health questions: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
MNsure opens enrollment
MNsure is offering a special enrollment period for qualified individuals who are currently without insurance in response to the potential growth of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases. This special enrollment period began March 23 and goes through Tuesday, April 21.
Information on who qualifies and how to enroll can be found at mnsure.org, or call the Contact Center: 651-539-2099 or 855-366-7873.
This special enrollment period is for eligible Minnesotans who do not have current health insurance.
You do not need to be sick to qualify.
If you are currently enrolled in a qualified health plan through MNsure, you cannot use this special enrollment period to change plans.
COVID-19 diagnostic testing is available at no cost for those who are enrolled through MNsure.
All four medical insurance companies that sell private health insurance plans on MNsure are waiving co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnostic testing.
Tri-County accepting donations
The health care staff on the front line of the coronavirus crisis continue to prepare for cases in the area. Tri-County Health Care is accepting donations of personal protective equipment (PPE). Donations can be left on a table outside the main entrance at the Wadena Clinic.
The most pressing need is manufactured medical-grade N95 masks. These masks are crucial in protecting nurses and providers by blocking the spread of small particles that could possibly contain the coronavirus.
Other PPE equipment needs include: clear plastic face shields, safety goggles, safety glasses, used scrubs and sealed bottles of hand sanitizer.
Community volunteers interested in manufacturing health care PPE such as gowns and fabric masks are asked to call 218-632-8796. Tri-County Health Care will provide instructions for specific designs from staff and infection control experts.
For updates and more information on the coronavirus and Tri-County Health Care, visit TCHC.org/coronavirus.
CareerForce resources
From Wadena County CareerForce Center
Local Community Resources
Rural Minnesota CEP 218-631-7660
CareerForce MN www.careerforcemn.com
Mahube-Otwa Community Action Energy Assistance 218-632-3600
Wadena County Social Services 218-631-7605
Todd County Social Services 320-732-4500
Someplace Safe (Wadena County Domestic Violence) 218-631-3311; 1-888-276-1720
Hands of Hope (Todd County Domestic Violence) 320-732-2319; 1-800-296-1657
COVID-19 Hotlines
Health Question Hotline (7am – 7pm) 651-201-3920 1-800-657-3903
Schools and Child Care Questions (7am – 7pm) 218-444-8929 1-800-657-3504
Government Resources, Response, and Updates
Federal Government Resources www.usa.gov/coronavirus
Minnesota Office of the Governor Resources mn.gov/governor/news/
Minnesota 7th Congressional District Resources tinyurl.com/Mn7thDistrict
Food Security and Shelter
Pantry Site Search Engine: www.foodpantries.org/st/minnesota
Minnesota Heading Home Alliance headinghomealliance.com/covid-19-response/
Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless www.oyh.org/
Resources for Employers and Small Businesses
DEED Information and Resources for Employers and Businesses mn.gov/deed/newscenter/covid/employers/
Critical Sector Worker Exemptions | Small Business Emergency Loan | Small Business Local Guarantee Program | Unemployment Insurance | Federal SBA Disaster Loans & Emergency Grants | Frequently Asked Questions for Employers & Businesses
Small Business Administration Loan Resources tinyurl.com/SBA-COVID
Paycheck Protection Program | Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advance | SBA Debt Relief | SBA Express Bridge Loans | Guidance for Businesses and Employers | Government Contracting | Local Assistance | Disaster Assistance Webinar – PPT
Warroad Forgivable Loan www.nwmf.org/warroad-forgiveable-loan-program/
Mn Unemployment Insurance www.uimn.org/applicants/needtoknow/news-updates/covid-19.jsp
MN UI Shared Work Program uimn.org/employers/alternative-layoff/
Google G-Suite (Free Video Conferencing) tinyurl.com/G-suite-COVID
ZOOM (Free Video Conferencing) zoom.us/pricing
Resources for Workers
DEED Information and Resources for Workers mn.gov/deed/newscenter/covid/workers/
Apply Online for Unemployment Benefits | Phone-a-Friend: Help Out | Health Insurance Resources | Who is Hiring Right Now? | Frequently Asked Questions for Workers
Resources for Nonprofit Organizations
NMF Emergency Disaster Recovery Grants www.nwmf.org/nmf-emergency-disaster-recovery-grants/
Center for Disaster Philanthropy – How Philanthropy can respond tinyurl.com/CDP-Covid
Minnesota Council on Foundations – COVID-19 Philanthropic response and updates mcf.org/coronavirus-resources
Minnesota Council of Nonprofits – COVID-19: What Nonprofits need to know tinyurl.com/MCN-COVID
Otto Bremer Trust Emergency Fund – for nonprofits and local governments ottobremer.org/emergency-fund
Spring Board for the Arts Emergency Relief Fund – for artists and communities tinyurl.com/springboard-covid
United Way of Bemidji Area Emergency Fund www.unitedwaybemidji.org/emergency-fund
Resources for Child Care Providers
Child Care Information for Families mn.gov/mmb/childcare/families/
Child Care Information for Providers mn.gov/mmb/childcare/providers/
Emergency Child Care Grant Program www.nwmf.org/emergency-child-care-grant-program/
Guidance for schools and child care www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools.html
List your service available for children of Emergency Responders survey.mn.gov/s.asp?k=158439734205
Resources for Schools and Students www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
Minnesota Department of Education education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/health/covid19/
Student Instruction | Food and Nutrition | Special Education | Supporting Students
Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/
Unemployment services
The Wadena CareerForce Center is continuing to operate remotely by phone, but staff has been innundated with requests and questions.
If your employment has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development urges you to apply for unemployment benefits online with the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program, www.uimn.org
The main phone number for the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program is 877-898-9090.
DEED provides help for small businesses in Minnesota
By Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Over the past few weeks, several state and federal programs have been built to assist small businesses struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Different programs make sense for different businesses, so we’re providing this summary guide to help small businesses quickly see which programs might be right for their situation.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) – all Minnesota small businesses should apply for these.
Summary of Program: Low interest, long term Economic Injury Disaster Loans for up to $2 million: The first payment is deferred for 12 months. The application has been simplified and can be completed 100% online through our improved web portal at www.sba.gov/disaster. These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75% and the loans can be extended over 30 years.
Why this might make sense for you: The SBA EIDL can be used to maintain payroll, provide paid sick leave, meet increased costs, make rent or mortgage payments, as well as repay unmet expenses and obligations.
SBA EIDL Grants - Businesses applying for an EIDL loan can request up to $10,000 be disbursed immediately. The amount need not be repaid, regardless of the loan decision. The request for the grant must be made within 3 days of applying to the SBA EIDL program.
Why this might make sense to you: This advance may be available even if your EIDL application was declined or is still pending, and will be forgiven.
If you need assistance with applying for the SBA EIDL loan or requesting the related grant – see the SBA District website for trainings or call an SBDC center.
SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Summary of Program: The SBA PPP is a new federal $350 billion loan program at SBA for small businesses, self-employed people, and gig workers to help them from going under due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If employers maintain payroll, the loans would be forgiven.
Why this might make sense for you: If a self-employed person needs compensation or a business or nonprofit needs funds for employee compensation, including: salaries, wages, commissions, or similar compensation; cash tips or equivalents; vacation, parental, family, medical, or sick leave; payment required for providing group health care benefits (including insurance premiums); payment of retirement benefits; and payroll taxes. Funding may also be used for payment of interest on mortgage obligations, rent, utilities, and interest on pre-existing debt obligations.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program
Summary of Program: Congress authorized a new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program that covers those who do not qualify for regular Unemployment Insurance benefits, such as independent contractors and self-employed people. The program was authorized but must be created by the states, so Minnesota must build out this program before it can be implemented. More information will be available soon, however it could be several weeks before payments begin.
Why this might make sense for you: If you are an independent contractor or self-employed person who would not typically be eligible for unemployment benefits, but you have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minnesota Small Business Emergency Loan Program
Summary of Program: Minnesota Small Business Emergency Loans are made through an approved lender – you can find FAQs, application materials and lenders on the DEED website. These loans are for $2,500 to $35,000 and at a 0% interest rate. There is a total of $30 million available for this program.
Why this might make sense for you: If you are affected by Executive Orders 20-04 and 20-08, this program could provide a 0% loan to help you meet expenses.
Minnesota Small Business Loan Guarantee Program
Summary of Program: This program provides a 80% loan guarantee for loans up to $250,000 made by a qualified economic development lender within this program. Details for business are not yet on DEED’s website but DEED and agency partners are reaching out to lenders to make them aware of this new program – look for more details soon. This program is intended to incent the private market to make loans to small businesses and provides the guarantee for those loan dollars. The state is providing a loan guarantee of $10 million which is likely to leverage between $20 and $25 million in lending by private banks.
Why this might make sense for you: Your lender will consider your situation and may require this guarantee in order to lend money to your business.
Unemployment Insurance Shared Work Program
Summary of Program: The Shared Work program offers an alternative to layoffs for employers facing a temporary downturn in business. Administered by DEED’s Unemployment Insurance Division, the program allows employers to divide available hours of work among a group of employees instead of implementing a full layoff. These employees may then receive partial unemployment insurance benefits while working reduced hours. The purpose of Shared Work is to avoid a layoff, not to subsidize wages.
Why this might make sense for you: Shared Work can help employers avoid the difficulties that can go along with a layoff. If employees keep working during a temporary slowdown, employers can more quickly gear up when business conditions improve. Learn more about the Shared Work Program on our Unemployment Insurance Division’s website
So given these options, where should you start?
1. First, we recommend is contacting your insurance company. You may have access to benefits you’ve paid into through your policy that could be helpful during this time.
2. Next, call your bank. Your banker will have advice for you on:
• Their own resources
• Any SBA programs they have access to
They may refer you to local lending programs such as those available through non-profits (like the Small Business Emergency Loan Program) or loan programs available in certain cities or counties across Minnesota.
3. If you’ve been denied credit by a bank or the SBA, you should call any of the approved lenders for the Small Business Emergency Loan Program that serve your geography.
4. If you do not use a bank and/or do not have insurance on your business:
You can call any of DEED approved lenders for the Small Business Emergency Loan Program for possible access to the program and other resources available through our lending partners.
You may also call a lender in the Small Business Loan Guarantee program, when those lenders are identified. Please note that these lenders are likely banks or local development organizations who have underwriting criteria.
You could call your city or county to see if they have a revolving loan fund that is available to your business. Please note that not many cities in the metro area have these revolving loan funds and those that do will have underwriting criteria.
Visit the COVID-19 Information for Employers and Businesses page on the DEED website for more resources related to business assistance, Unemployment Insurance and FAQs.
mn.gov/deed/
