Written by editor on 01 August 2020
METRO TRANSIT
By JOHN CHARLES WILSON
Even though our buses and trains are still running on a greatly reduced schedule, Metro Transit is hard at work behind the scenes building and planning for a COVID-19-free future.
That said, I wish to interrupt the good news to tell everyone that Cub Foods is running a FREE shuttle bus between its temporarily ruined Lake and Minnehaha location to their Quarry location at 1540 New Brighton Blvd. in Northeast Minneapolis. Buses leave the Lake Street Cub every hour between 10 AM and 5 PM and leave the Quarry store one half-hour later. Each bus will transport up to 20 people, allowing for social distancing and room for shopping bags. Other rules are similar to Metro Transit.
Now, for what is in store for us when this debacle is over:
- The Green Line Extension (Southwest Light Rail) construction is continuing as normal. It is planned to be ready for use in 2023.
- The Blue Line Extension (Bottineau Line Light Rail) is anticipated to be done by 2024; however, a snag in negotiations with BNSF Railway for use of their right of way may cause a delay.
- The D Line bus rapid transit (BRT) (similar to Route 5 but faster) is expected to open in 2022.
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Read the rest “Where Are We Going?”
Written by editor on 01 August 2020
By LINDSEY FENNER
For the past two months, I have been reassigned as a COVID-19 Case Investigator. This means that everyday I have conversations with people who have tested positive for COVID-19. Over the next few months, I will share tips and ideas from this experience. This month, I want to introduce everyone to what a Case Investigator does and what you should know if you get a call from one.
What happens when I test positive?
After a positive test for COVID-19, you should be getting two phone calls: one phone call from the clinic where you got tested, and another phone call from a case investigator from the State of Minnesota Department of Health or a local public health agency.
Why do we call?
We want to give you information about isolation and quarantine. I spend most of my time answering questions, talking through what isolation might look like, and making sure families have what they need to isolate and to stop the spread of COVID-19 to others. We also provide letters for work or school and can connect people with resources for essential needs while they are in isolation.
We also need to gather information to help understand this new virus and keep people safe.… Read the rest “Tips from a COVID-19 Case Investigator”
Written by editor on 01 August 2020
By H. Lynn Adelsman, Modified from MN Dept. Natural Resources advice
With few or no lifeguards at Minneapolis lakes and beaches this summer, please be aware of these safe practices:
- Always watch children around water, without being distracted. Phones can be distracting and contrary to child-monitoring.
- Keep young children within arm”™s reach of an adult at all times.
- Teach children how to swim. Consider their age, development, and how comfortable they are around water. (See below for swim lesson resources).
- Empty buckets, containers, and kiddie pools immediately after use. Store them upside down so they don”™t collect water.
- Air-filled and foam toys are NOT safety devices.
- Children should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket in the water.
- Be aware that fences are needed around home or apartment pools. A 4 foot tall, pool fence should surround all sides and have self-closing and self-latching gates to avoid children from entering unsafely without supervision.
- Drowning most often occurs silently; not like in movies where the victim shouts and waves their arms. People often cannot recognize a drowning that makes little noise as a person can”™t cry out for help. Ask the person if they are alright. If they can answer they likely are OK.
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Read the rest “Swim Safely at Home or Away”
