Questions & Help with COVID-19
It is important to stay informed as best as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Below are several resources to help answer any questions you might have.
If you or a family member is experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider and get tested. If you don’t have a health care provider or health insurance, contact a federally qualified Community Health Center.
Stay Safe MN Guidance
Adjusting the dials - changes to Stay Safe MN, effective January 11, 2021
Recognizing recent progress in slowing the spread of COVID-19, Governor Walz announced new measures to Minnesota’s Stay Safe plan. These measures loosen restrictions on important parts of daily life while urging Minnesotans to maintain this progress.
Social Settings
- Two households may gather indoors, 10 people max.
- Three households may gather outdoors, 15 people max.
- Masks are strongly encouraged and social distancing required.
Restaurants and bars - effective January 11, 2021
- Indoor dining: 50% capacity, 150 people max.
- Outdoor dining: 50%, 150 people max.
- Parties of no more than six people must remain six feet from other parties; bar seating open to parties of two; reservations required; establishments must be closed from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Gyms, personal fitness and yoga studios, martial arts - effective January 11, 2021
- Gym capacity remains at 25% but max capacity increases to 150.
- Machines and people should remain nine feet apart.
- Classes increase to 25 people, assuming distancing is observed.
- Masks required.
Indoor events and entertainment - effective January 11, 2021
- Open at 25% capacity, 150 people max.
- Masks required. No food service after 10 p.m.
Outdoor events and entertainment - effective January 11, 2021
- Open at 25% capacity, 250 people max.
- Social distancing required.
- Strong recommendation for masks, but not required.
Organized sports (adult and youth) - effective January 11, 2021
- Practices open. Games resume January 14 with limited spectators according to current capacity restrictions (25%, 150 max. for indoor games and 25%, 250 max. for outdoor games).
- Inter-region tournaments and out-of-state play are discouraged.
Outdoor recreation activities and facilities - effective January 11, 2021
- Open per DNR’s - Outdoor Recreation Guidelines.
- Three households may gather outdoors, 15 people max.
Places of worship, religious services, weddings and funerals
- Open with guidance; strong recommendation for virtual services only.
- Places of worship remain open at 50% capacity but without overall maximum capacity.
Reception spaces for celebrations or private parties - effective January 11, 2021
- Wedding receptions and other private parties may resume with limits.
- If food and drink are served: indoor capacity limited to two households (10 people max); outdoor capacity limited to three households (15 people max).
- If no food or drink, they are covered by indoor event venue guidelines.
Campgrounds and charter boats - effective January 11, 2021
- Open with guidance.
- Three households may gather outdoors, 15 people max.
Pools and swim parks - effective January 11, 2021
- Open at 25% capacity - see COVID-19 Public Pools under Executive Order 20-104.
Changes effective January 18, 2021
The Governor has also updated the Safe Learning Plan so every elementary school across the state may choose to offer in-person learning. To do this, schools will need to additional mitigation strategies, to include providing and requiring staff to wear a face shield and mask and offering regular testing.
COVID-19 hotlines
MN Helpline
For questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ramsey County customer contact center
The Customer Contact Center can answer questions about COVID-19 and Ramsey County services.
- Call 651-266-8500 (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
- Email [email protected]
City of Saint Paul COVID-19 resource line
A City of Saint Paul phone line to answer questions about the City's response to COVID-19. Translators are available to answer questions in Hmong, Karen, Oromo, Somali and Spanish.
- Call 651-266-6000
- Email [email protected]
MN Black community COVID-19 hotline
A 24/7 hotline providing callers with information about testing and resources that support food security, physical and mental health, employment, housing, childcare, legal rights and other COVID-19 related challenges.
COVID-19 Spanish hotline
A hotline sponsored by HACER and the Minnesota Department of Health that provides resources and assistance related to COVID-19.
COVID-19 hotline for refugees and immigrants
A hotline sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Human Services Resettlement Network that ensures refugees and immigrants can get accurate, timely information about COVID-19.
- Call 651-318-0989 (Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
- More information
Briva Health COVID-19 community coordinator hotline
A hotline in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Health to help Minnesota communities access essential resources during the pandemic. Hotline staff speak multiple languages and can assist Minnesotans in their native languages.
- Call 1-833-567-6662 (available everyday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
- More information
Mental health first aid, domestic abuse and sexual violence
Mental health first aid
Ramsey County residents who are experiencing stress and mental health symptoms as a result of COVID-19 are encouraged to call the county’s Crisis Team for support and resources.
- Adults (18 years and older): 651-266-7900
- Children (under the age of 18): 651-266-7878
East Metro Crisis Alliance resource guide
The East Metro Crisis Alliance maintains a resource guide for providers and caregivers to use to quickly connect people with mental health and substance use services. Learn more and view the guide
Domestic abuse and sexual violence
If you are concerned about the immediate safety of you or someone you know, call 911.
Avoiding COVID-19 scams/fraud
Learn more about common COVID-19 scams/fraud, including where to report fraud and how to protect yourself from it.
General information
- FEMA - Coronavirus rumor control
- Department of Defense - Coronavirus rumor control
- CDC - Stop the spread of rumors
- Federal Trade Commission - Keep calm and avoid coronavirus scams (PDF)
- Federal Trade Commission - Contact tracing call? 5 things to know (PDF)
Reporting scams/fraud
- State of Minnesota - Report fraudulent tests or other scams