March 17 message from Ramsey County Manager Ryan O’Connor
Things are rapidly changing around us. As federal and state guidelines shift, we are doing the best we can to serve this community and our employees.
Following that, Ramsey County issued the following public message late last night:
Beginning Tuesday, March 17, Ramsey County will suspend all walk-up services except for emergency and 24/7 operations. Phone-based and online services will continue. Public entrances will be closed and signed at high traffic locations that include but are not limited to:
- Parks buildings.
- Government Center East.
- 90 West Plato.
- N. Saint Paul CareerForce Center.
- Ramsey County libraries.
Ramsey County employees are expected to report to work as usual as the organization works to respond to phone-based and online services and rapidly adjust for the future. Employees will support efforts to modify and redesign service delivery approaches over the next week. These services will be provided in accordance with prevailing federal and state public health guidance.
On Monday, March 23, county services will more fully reopen with redesigned approaches that drastically reduce person-to-person contact while ensuring welcoming, accessible, equitable and efficient service options throughout the remainder of the COVID-19 emergency.
At their 9 a.m. meeting on March 17, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners is poised to ratify a State of Emergency declaration. This provides county leaders with authority and flexibility to make necessary and immediate decisions to protect the health and safety of all county residents and employees.
We will do all we can to serve every resident even in this uncertain environment. We are also well down the path towards redesigned services that ensure every resident is served, every staff member has a role to play, and everyone is safe.
Thank you for your continued flexibility and patience as we do the best we can to keep apace during uncertain times.