orono's response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) 

The City of Orono takes the COVID-19 pandemic very seriously and is proactively working to minimize public health risk by following the recommended guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and the Minnesota Department of Health.

We prioritize the health and well-being of our residents, visitors and staff. City Hall is open and the staff is here to provide the customer service you have grown to expect. 

Please note, we have made some changes to protect everyone coming into City Hall. Masks are required as of August 8, 2020, there is plenty of hand sanitizer and our front lobby has been remodeled to safely assist our residents and visitors.

coronavirus

Resources and information

The following agencies and organizations continue to provide the latest information surrounding the Coronavirus.

UPDATES FROM GOVERNOR WALZ

Office of Governor Tim Walz & Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan
  

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – What you need to know


Hennepin County Public Health

Provides updates related to confirmed cases in Hennepin County


Minnesota Department of Health

Provides Minnesota Updates & Strategies to Slow the Spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota


MN Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline

651-201-3920
Monday–Friday
8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.


World Health Organization

Provides World-Wide updates & Information about COVID-19


Video from Minnesota Commissioner of Health – Jan Malcolm

Basic information about COVID-19

metro cities - association of metropolitan municipalities 

Provides city officials with updates on state responses and other resources on COVID-19

What the City is doing  

  • We are planning — the City’s staff are committed to maintain all essential services during the COVID19 pandemic.
  • We are cleaning — with a focus on disinfecting high-touch areas daily at all City facilities.  We are providing hand sanitizer for visitors to wash hands.
  • We are implementing Minnesota Department of Health recommendations as outlined by the CDC — the City is following mitigation guidelines including encouraging social distancing measures with staff and the public, and reducing activities.  
  • We are following Minnesota Department of Labor – Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

What we ask of you  

  • Take basic protective measures against the coronavirus – Stay informed and aware of the latest information about the COVID-19 outbreak. 
  • Wear masks when in public. 10-50% of virus carriers are asymptomatic wearing masks helps control the virus and has been shown to lower COVID-19 spread.
  • Avoid enclosed spaces with groups of people, where the virus can linger in the air for long periods of time.
  • Get tested if you have cold or flu-like symptoms - Find testing locations. 
  • Stay six feet away from others.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or sleeve, or a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands afterwards.
  • Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom or before eating. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose and mouth – with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home — If you are sick or have been exposed to someone who is sick, please conduct City business online or by phone.  Follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop. 
  • Do your part — don’t flush disinfecting wipes, baby wipes and other non-flushable personal hygiene products, these items are solid waste and must be disposed of with other refuse in the trash and never flushed down the toilet. If flushed, especially in large quantities, even wipes labeled as “flushable” can completely block the sewer and cause messy, expensive sewer backups into homes.