Coronavirus Resources for Residents and Businesses  

The following resources are available to help Hopkins residents and business owners navigate the impact of coronavirus.

General Information on COVID-19

• The Minnesota Department of Health has the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 and its status in Minnesota.
• Find the latest press releases, statements and other information in the Minnesota Governor's News Room. 
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 and its status in the United States. 

Food Support and Assistance

• The ICA Foodshelf  is now distributing food through a “drive-up” model.
• Hopkins Public Schools' nutrition and transportation departments are teaming up to provide free meals to students through April 3.
• Meals on Wheels is taking precautions to continue meal delivery while protecting volunteers and meal recipients.
• All ResourceWest services are available via phone at 952-933-3860 or by emailing staff. 
• Second Harvest Heartland can help you locate emergency food services in your community.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families and provides economic benefits to communities.

Health Care Support

• Contact the state hotline for health questions at 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
• Find links to various healthcare resources in Minnesota. 
• The Senior LinkAge Line® is a free service that connects older Minnesotans and their families with the help they need.

Utilities

• Xcel Energy and Centerpoint Energy have both suspended service disconnections until further notice.  
• The state's Emergency Assistance Program helps pay home heating costs and furnace repairs for income-qualified households.
• Hennepin County's Emergency Assistance Program provides short-term aid to Hennepin County residents who are in a financial crisis that poses a direct threat to their physical health or safety.

Internet

• Centurylink will not suspend home and business service for 60 days due to financial hardships related to coronavirus.  
• Comcast Xfinity is offering billing flexibility and 60-day complimentary internet services to low-income families in its service area.

Eviction Freeze in Process

• The governor and state legislature are working to place a moratorium on evictions for 30 days during a state of emergency. This effort has not become law yet. Stay tuned to Minnesota Housing for updates.

Resources for Workers

• The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has put together information including responses to common questions for workers.
• The Minnesota Department of Labor has put together information about worker protections specifically related to COVID-19.
• Workers affected by COVID-19 can apply for unemployment benefits through the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program.

Resources for Businesses

• The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has established a web page to assist taxpayers, businesses, and others affected by COVID-19. 
• MinneInno is compiling resources and webinars that may be of interest to businesses, including information on remote working and five steps to take regarding business decisions during this time.
• The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce has created a special webpage with information for businesses. 
• The Minnesota Department of Health has several pages set up regarding COVID-19, including general materials and resources, as well as specific information for businesses and employers.
• The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has put together information including responses to common questions for employers.
• The Minnesota Retailers Association has put together resources specifically for retailers.
• The Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Shared Work Program is available to employers to help avoid a layoff. 
• The Small Business Administration will be providing small business assistance through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program.

Stay Informed

• Stay tuned to www.hopkinsmn.com/covid19 for information and updates.
• Subscribe to Hopkins Connections for City email updates.