COVID-19 Impact on Anoka County Services

View the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Situation Summary for Anoka County


Minnesota COVID-19 Resources


Anoka County Pandemic Response

On March 17, 2020, board chair Commissioner Scott Schulte declared a Local State of Emergency in Anoka County. The full board ratified the declaration March 18, 2020.

In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and to protect our customers and employees, Anoka County closed all its non-emergency, in-person services including but not limited to:

  • Anoka County Government Center
  • Human Services Centers (Blaine/Eastern/Southern Neighborhood)
  • Parks buildings

5/20/20 UPDATE: 1ST FLOOR IS OPEN - PUBLIC CAN ACCESS PROPERTY RECORDS & TAXATION SERVICE COUNTER, AND ELECTIONS & VOTER REGISTRATION COUNTER. LIBRARIES ARE OPEN IN LIMITED CAPACITY,  AND LICENSE CENTERS ARE OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. PLEASE NAVIGATE TO THEIR SPECIFIC WEB PAGES FOR DETAILS.

ANOKA COUNTY FACILITIES WILL REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Governor’s Executive Order 20-80: Mask Requirement

Beginning Friday, July 24 at 11:59 p.m., people are required to wear a face covering/mask in all public indoor spaces. The State of Minnesota compiled a comprehensive list of FAQs about this new requirement. If you are visiting any open Anoka County facilities, please remember to wear your mask and maintain a six-foot distance between you and others.

Service Plan Update

Although most county face-to-face visits have been eliminated for now, our new service model includes still being available to help you via email, phone and online. See list below for specific closures, service delivery modifications, contact information, and instructions.

If you know the department you need to speak with, please navigate to their page. Otherwise, please call our main number, 763-324-4000 and someone will direct your call.

Document Drop Off Locations (Effective April 10)

Anoka County is now accepting a variety of paperwork at three county locations and only vehicle tab renewals at two others. The locations accepting paperwork including vehicle tab renewals, property tax documents, child support and economic assistance applications, and reporting forms are:

The locations accepting only tab renewals are:

Residents using the drop boxes for tab renewals should include in the envelope insurance information, a check with their driver’s license number and phone number, and both halves of the prebill from the state. Residents who do not have the renewal slip mailed from the state or have a change of address should follow the instructions here.

You may also mail any paperwork to: Government Center, 2100 3rd Ave., Anoka, MN 55303.

Note: Paperwork that CANNOT be accepted at drop boxes or mailed are documents related to legal service, litigation, or court matters. If your child support, economic assistance (EA), or property tax paperwork involves a petition or claim to the Anoka County Attorney’s Office, those documents MUST be served on the County Attorney. Please visit the Attorney’s Office website for specific direction regarding property tax petitions. Please see your child support/EA paperwork for service by mail directions regarding legal proceedings. Questions about legal documents can be directed to the County Attorney’s Office: 763-324-5550. 

View the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Situation Summary for Anoka County

Impact on County Services{collapse}

  1. Parks

  2. Library


    • All branches are open to the public with limited capacity Monday - Saturday.
    • Virtual programs and classes are listed on the online event calendar.
    • Due dates for materials checked out prior to reopening are set to July 15th. Items checked out after reopening will have our standard 3 week checkout period. Book returns are open at all locations
    • All online services are still active. Non-cardholders can sign up on the library website for a card.
    • Visit anokacountylibrary.org for the latest information.

  3. License and Passport Centers


  4. Attorney's Office

    In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Anoka County closed all its non-emergency, in-person services including but not limited to:
    • Anoka county Government Center (5/20/20 Update: 1st floor is open - public can access Property Records & Taxation Service counter, and Elections & Voter Registration Counter)
    • Human Services Centers (Blaine/Eastern/Southern Neighborhood)
    • License and Passport Centers
    • Libraries
    • Parks buildings
    Anoka County Facilities will remain closed until further notice.

    Alternative Service for 2021 Tax Petitions

    In light of the public facility closures, which may interfere with the service deadline of April 30, 2021, for tax petitions, Anoka County has developed alternative methods for service of tax petitions. Details and instructions are found in this document.

    Court Operations

    The Anoka County Attorney's Office continues to operate and process cases, with priority given to cases in which public or private safety is at risk and cases in which a speedy trial demand has been made. We are following the Supreme Court's directives, which can be found here.

    Court Resources

    The Minnesota Judicial Branch has created a self-help page for litigants navigating the court process during this time. There are digital aids, guide for e-filing, and contact information for help. View resources here.

    Meeting with the Public

    The Attorney's Office is postponing all non-essential in-person meetings and scheduling phone or web-based conferences whenever possible. If you have questions or need to reschedule an appointment, call 763-324-5550 or email [email protected]

  5. Community Corrections


    • Please contact us at 763-324-4800 with any questions.
    • Visit the Anoka County District Court page
    • Office Reception Areas: Closed to walk-in traffic.  Please contact your probation officer with questions
    • Drug and Alcohol Testing: Limited – at request only.
    • Programs and CD Educational Sessions: Will be rescheduled with new notices

    Social Visiting (family & friends)

    • On-site video visiting – no charge
    • Off-site video visiting – one free visit per week, others available @ normal price. (the normal price is still a good option for folks when you factor in travel time, fuel costs, etc.)

    Professional Visiting (attorney’s, probation officers, etc.)

    • On-site visits must be non-contact for the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic
    • Off-site video visits are available to professional visitors at no cost.

    Facility Visiting

    • Courthouse: Open for limited services
    • Adult Correctional Facility: Open for limited services
    • Juvenile Detention Centers: Open for limited services

  6. Community Development

    No applications accepted for single family home rehab loan programs and well / septic loan program.
     
    No radon kits for sale

  7. Community Social Services and Behavioral Health

    Anoka County has closed all Community Social Services and Behavioral Health public facing offices, Anoka, Blaine, Columbia Heights, Lexington and Rum River. 
    • Office Reception Areas: Closed to walk-in traffic.  Contact 763-324-1400.
    • Please contact your Social Worker or appropriate service area with questions
    All Community Provided Case Management and Assessment  Services including Children and Family Services, Disability and Aging Services, Behavioral Health and Adult Services, Long Term Services and Supports are available. 
    • Anoka County Community Social Services & Behavioral Health at 763-324-1400.
    • Family Visitation (Please consult with your Social Worker) or call 763-324-1400.
    • Rule 25 Assessment Services are limited.  Contact 763-324-1270.
    • Child Protection Reporting are available online here and by phone at 763-324-1440.
    • Adult Protection Reporting is available through MAARC at 1-844-880-1574.
    You may access additional numbers and services via the CSSBH Website or www.anokacounty.us.

  8. Elections & Voter Registration

    • Public service counter is open
    • You can continue to reach the Elections & Voter Registration Office by phone (763-324-1300) or email ([email protected]) during normal working hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

  9. Economic Assistance


    All Anoka County Economic Assistance public facing offices in Anoka, Blaine, Columbia Heights and Lexington are closed until further notice.
  10. Examiner of Titles


    • The Examiner of Titles office location is CLOSED. All non-essential in-person meetings with the Examiner of Titles have been suspended and should be conducted via phone or web-based conference application (i.e., WebEx). Please contact our office to set up an appointment.
    • You can reach the Examiner of Titles Office by phone (763-324-1199) or email ([email protected]).
    • We continue to accept directive requests via email ([email protected]) and through U.S. mail when original documents must be submitted. All completed directives will be returned via U.S. mail.
    • All hearings assigned to the Examiner of Titles will be conducted via WebEx. Visit the Examiner of Titles page for additional information.


  11. 10th Judicial District (Courthouse)

    The 10th Judicial District Anoka County courthouse remains open and operational. To access the courthouse, you may enter through the main Government Center doors on Third Avenue. Although the parking ramp is open, the entrance door to the Government Center, near the ramp (door #16) is closed.  Please continue between the buildings and take a right just past the loading dock to enter through door #14. Once inside the Government Center, follow the signage and continue down the hallway to the security checkpoint.

  12. Environmental Health

    • All routine inspections that include food & beverage, lodging, pools, well sanitation surveys, body art, hazardous waste and transfer stations ARE OCCURRING on schedule if the business is open.
    • All complaints are being investigated in-person or by phone. The nature of the complaint will determine if a site visit is warranted. 
    • Well water samples – the well water testing program is open on a limited basis. Click here for more information.

  13. Food Resources

    SACA (Southern Anoka County Assistance)

    • http://www.sacafoodshelf.org/
    • Call to make an appointment
    • Parking lot / drive-up delivery model.
    • Food delivery is still available, but currently over capacity. 

    Salvation Army

    ACBC (Anoka County Brotherhood Council)

    Centennial Food Shelf

    NACE (Northern Anoka County Emergency)

    • http://www.nacefoodshelf.org/
      Limit of five people in the intake room at any time.
    • Food is handled by volunteers only.
    • Food is delivered to clients in their cars.

  14. Highway


    • Public access points to our facilities have been temporary closed, but our offices and operations are fully functional at this time
    • All scheduled public meetings/open houses for highway projects have been cancelled at this time.
    • Phone: 763-324-3100
    • Email the Highway Department
  15. Immunization Clinics
    • All Public Health immunization clinics are cancelled until further notice.

  16. Job Training Center

    • Anoka County in-person services are suspended until further notice but we are still serving you in a virtual setting, including weekly hiring events. Inquire about programming and services by calling 763-324-2300 or visit www.careerforcemn.com
    • Local companies are hiring! Check out the list on our webpage.
    • Subscribe to the Job Training Center website to receive alerts on updated list of employers.
    • Careerforce now has online workshops on job search, resume writing and interviewing skills, along with several other resources here.
    • For information on unemployment call 651-296-3644 or visit the Mn Unemployment Insurance (UI) Program page.
    • Blaine Dropbox: Blaine Human Service Center, 1201 89th Ave. NE, Blaine

  17. Law Library

    • Law Library is now OPEN to the public (June 1, 2020)
    • Many court forms are available on www.mncourts.gov
    • Law Library staff will provide additional forms through e-mail
    • Call 763-324-5560 or e-mail [email protected] for assistance using the courts website or locating any other legal information, including information from Westlaw
    • Legal clinics have resumed.  Visit the law library page for more information or contact the library via phone or e-mail.”

  18. Payments to the County

    No in person payments can be made at this time.  You are still responsible to pay your invoice or debt. 
    The ways to pay are:
     

    Via Mail

    Please address to:
    Anoka County Finance and Central Services
    2100 3rd Ave, Suite 300
    Anoka, MN 55303
     

    Via Online

    Make payments online
     

    Via Phone

    If you are paying via credit card, and cannot pay online, please call 763-324-1700
     
    If you have questions please call 763-324-1700

  19. Property Records and Taxation (including Vital Records) 

    • You can pay your property taxes: By mail, online, drop box locations, or the Public Service Counter. Go to our webpage for more details on each method.
    • We continue to accept land record document recordings for the Recorder and Registrar of Titles through electronic recording and paper documents via U.S. mail, or at our Public Service counter.
    • We continue to accept Plats for review and/or recording by appointment only during the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday.  Please contact the Surveyor’s Office at (763-324-3101) to schedule appointments.
    • Some Vital Statistics/Records information can be requested by mail, please see our website or contact our office by phone (763-323-5400) or email ([email protected]) during normal working hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
    • For information regarding a Marriage License Application click here.
    • You can continue to reach Property Records & Taxation by phone (763-323-5400) or email ([email protected]) during normal working hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The Public Service counter is also available at the Government Center located at 2100 3rd Ave, Anoka.

  20. Public Health

    WIC

    • current and anyone that needs to be newly enrolled – all services are being done telephonically 763-324-4230

    Family Home Visiting 

    • current and anyone new admissions are being visited either telephonically and via secure Video Visiting 763-324-4240

    Child & Teen Checkups Outreach 

    •  all outreach to clients, providers, community partners are being done telephonically 763-324-4280

    Health Education 

    • all work with partners is being done via telephone, video, email 763-324-4200

    Immunization Clinic


    • All Public Health immunization clinics are cancelled until further notice
    • For questions and future appointments, call 763-324-4240

    Contact Us:

    763-324-4200
    [email protected]

  21. Purchasing

    For current or upcoming procurements which may be impacted by COVID-19, please visit Anoka County Purchasing Current Bids & Proposals for updates.
     

  22. Recycling

    Continued Services:


    AnokaCounty.us/recycle

    [email protected]

    763-324-3400


  23. Seniors | RSVP | Tax Assistance


    • AARP Free Income Tax Assistance has been cancelled. It is not known at this time whether the organization will offer additional locations with the extended federal filing deadline or if they will remain closed for the rest of 2020. Please visit AARP's website periodically for Income Tax Assistance updates.
    • Property Tax Assistance Update - Due to the Stay Safe Order, all the scheduled face-to-face Property Tax Refund Assistance sites have been suspended. Instead, Anoka County is now offering limited appointments by phone to help senior citizens and people with disabilities apply for their homeowners/renters Minnesota property tax refund. Volunteer tax preparers will answer your questions and assist you in filling out your forms which you can then file. For updates, please visit the Retired Senior Volunteer Program or call 763-324-1480.
    • With the exception of the limited Property Tax Refund Assistance, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is suspended until further notice.
    • Anoka County Medlink, the service providing rides to senior citizens, veterans to medical, dental and social service appointments, is suspended until further notice.
    • Transit Link is offering free delivery of groceries and household essentials from stores with online shopping and local pickup. Transit Link can also deliver goods from local food shelves. For more information, please visit Anoka County Transit.

  24. Sheriff’s Office

    Jail


    The Jail lobby of the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, located at 325 East Jackson St., in Anoka,  is now open to the public. 
    • If you have questions or need to speak to detention staff, call 763-324-5100.
    • If you have questions or need to speak to detention staff and are outside the Jail, use the intercom on the left side of the doorway.
    • Professional Visiting (attorney’s, probation officers etc.) call 763-324-5100.
    • We have suspended public fingerprinting at the Jail at this time. 
    Social Visiting (family & friends)
    • Visiting is via remote only. Off-site video visiting – one free visit per week, others available @ normal price.
    Professional Visiting (attorney’s, probation officers, etc.)
    • On-site visits must be non-contact for the duration of the COVID -19 pandemic
    • Off-site video visits are an available to professional visitors at no cost.  

    Other


    • The business offices of the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, located at 13301 Hanson Blvd. NW in Andover, are now open to the public. (Effective  5/18/20)   
      • If you have an emergency, call 911.
      • If you need to speak to a deputy, call 763-427-1212.
      • If you need to speak to a deputy and are outside the office, use the intercom on the right side of the doorway.
      • Other inquiries call 763-324-5000.
    • Civil Unit - we can accept your documents via e-mail at [email protected] or Fax-763-324-5070. When using either method, please include a contact phone number as payments will still be required in advance.  If using an electronic method of delivery, we will contact you for electronic payment. As always, we can also still accept paperwork via USPS, FedEx or UPS.
    • Permits to purchase firearms may be processed in-person, and via mail or email.  If you have questions, call 763-324-5022 or visit the permits webpage.
    • We are evaluating some of the calls we respond to and how we respond to them.  An example would be some very low priority level call such as a non-emergency medical situation. If the involved person has flu like symptoms and if there is no emergency such as difficulty breathing etc. we are only responding if requested to by fire/rescue or ambulance.
    • If we receive other low priority calls that can be handled by phone, a deputy will make a phone call to the reporting party and gather report information versus going in person. 
    • When we do respond to calls for service, deputies are trying to keep appropriate distancing from parties.  They are trying to have conversations either outside or in areas large enough to allow for appropriate distance between themselves and the involved parties. 
    • We are responding to all emergency calls for service. 
     


  25. Surveyor's Office

    • Staff is available via phone, email, and other electronic methods to address platting and other survey related items. 
    • View the website for updated plating procedures.
    • https://www.anokacounty.us/320/Surveyor
    • Phone: 763-324-3200

  26. Transit


    Federal law requires all individuals on public transportation to wear a mask.


    Changes to Fixed Routes in Anoka County

    • Route 801- No change.
    • Route 805- Hours have changed to 8:00 a.m. to 6:48 p.m. and is still currently running Monday thru Saturday.
    • Route 831- Hours have changed to 8:08 a.m. (instead of 6:00 a.m.) and ends at the same time, 6:40 p.m. and is still currently running Monday thru Friday.
    • Buses are being wiped down when possible between runs and disinfected with a fogger each night.
    • To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, face coverings will be required on board all Metropolitan Council buses and trains. This applies to Anoka County Transit Link and Fixed Route Buses. Masks are available on buses for customers who are not wearing their own.

    Medlink Services

    • Anoka County Medlink Service have resumed
      • Please call the Anoka County Medlink phone number (763) 324 – 3255 for ride requests

    Traveler Transit Link

    • Transit Link is implementing a new protocol Monday, March 23 where each Transit Link customer will be given an exclusive ride
    • Anyone can use Transit Link to order groceries and household essentials online from a store that has online shopping and local pick up. Transit Link will pick your order up and deliver to your house. The service is free and no fares for delivery. The four-bag limit remains in effect. Pickups must be at a commercial location. A photo ID will be required at the drop-off. Metro Mobility is also offering this service.
    • Transit Link is also offering free delivery of goods from food shelves. You can schedule a pickup through the food shelf.
    • Starting March 1, Metro Mobility will charge fares for health worker trips - $3.50 off peak and $4.50 for peak. Healthcare workers who had been able to ride Metro Mobility for free during the COVID-19 pandemic will now be asked to pay the regular fare. The shift reflects a desire to balance demand as regular Metro Mobility ridership increases. Earlier in the pandemic, ridership on the paratransit service was low enough that free rides could be offered to healthcare workers as an alternative to regular route transit. Eventually, healthcare workers may no longer be allowed to request Metro Mobility rides.
    • To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, face coverings will be required on board all Metropolitan Council buses and trains. This applies to Anoka County Transit Link and Fixed Route Buses. Masks are available on buses for customers who are not wearing their own.

    Transit Hosted Events

    • Commute Solutions Transit Tours have been postponed indefinitely.
      • Bike to Work Week will still be planned for the second week in June as of now but we will keep participants updated.
      • Commuter Choice Awards hosted by Metro Transit are cancelled.

  27. Veteran Services

    Offices are closed to in-person traffic, but please call or reach out with questions.
    Phone: (763) 324-4500 – If no answer leave a voicemail so a service officer can respond ASAP.
    Fax: (763) 324-1040
    Email: [email protected]
     

  28. COVID-19 Anoka County Business Resources

    Anoka County has consolidated the resources below to help ready and recover your business and workforce from the impacts of COVID-19. 

    https://www.anokacountysuccess.org/covid-19-anoka-county-business-resources/