COVID-19 Impact on Anoka County Services

Governor Issues Stay at Home Order

On March 25, Governor Tim Walz issued a stay at home order effective from March 27 at 11:59 p.m. through April 10. This order directs Minnesotans to limit movements outside their homes beyond essential needs. By limiting social interactions, we decrease COVID-19 transmission and help our health care providers prepare for increased demands. Workers who provide critical services are exempt. Minnesota’s exemptions are based on federal guidance from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) with some Minnesota-specific additions.

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)
  • License and Passport Centers
  • Libraries
  • Parks buildings

Anoka County facilities will remain closed until Monday, May 4. 

Service Plan Update

Although 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

If you have documents you need to drop off for processing by Anoka County, you can use the book drops at four locations throughout the county. Examples of paperwork include child support and economic assistance application and reporting forms, and property tax payments. The locations are:

You may also mail any paperwork to: Government Center, 2100 3rd Ave., Anoka, MN 55303.                                                                   Note: Paperwork that CANNOT be accepted at drop boxes 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

    • Buildings CLOSED | Bunker Hills Activity Center, Wargo Nature Center, Coon Rapids Dam Visitors Center, etc.
    • All programs, classes and events are canceled through April 30.
    • All meeting and conference room reservations are canceled through April 30 and no new reservations will be accepted at this time.
    • Vehicle permits and reservations can still be done online.
    • Park property remains open so get out there and enjoy the trails!
    • Call here with questions: 763-324-3300

  2. Library


    • All Locations CLOSED to the public; staff can be reached by phone, email, and chat
    • All programs, classes and events are canceled through May 30
    • All meeting and conference room reservations are canceled through May 30, and no new reservations will be accepted at this time.
    • All due dates and card expiration dates have been extended.
    • All online services are still active. Non-cardholders can sign up on the library website for a card for access to online resources.
    • Visit anokacountylibrary.org for the latest information.

  3. License and Passport Centers


    • All locations CLOSED.  If you need immediate assistance, please check here  for a list of open offices in your area. Due to DVS mandated closures, our drop box locations at Blaine and Coon Rapids are no longer available to use for vehicle tab renewals. Please go to our webpage for more information.
    • Even though face-to-face visits have been eliminated for now, we are still available to try to help you via email & phone.
    • Please call 763-324-2100, or email UC-LicenseBureau-2100@co.anoka.mn.us. If you’re having trouble reaching someone during business hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday, please call our main information line: 763-324-4000.

  4. Attorney's Office

    ATTENTION


    Anoka County has closed all public-facing services. This will remain in effect until at least May 4. More information on closures here.



    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, guides for e-filing, and contact information for help. View resources here.



    MEETINGS 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 attorney@co.anoka.mn.us.
     


    TAX PETITIONS:


    Due to restrictions implemented at the Anoka County Government Center, the county is adopting temporary changes to its tax petition procedures. This document outlines tax petition procedures. 

  5. Community Corrections


    • Please contact us at 763-324-4800 with any questions.
    • 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

    • Adult Correctional Facility: In-person visits and volunteers are cancelled until further notice.
    • Juvenile Detention Centers: In-person visits and volunteers are cancelled until further notice.

  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

    • Office location CLOSED
    • You can continue to reach the Elections & Voter Registration Office by phone (763-324-1300) or email (elections@co.anoka.mn.us) during normal working hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

  9. Economic Assistance


    Anoka County will be closing s all Economic Assistance public facing offices, Anoka, Blaine, Columbia Heights and Lexington. 

  10. Examiner of Titles

    • Office location CLOSED
    • We continue to accept directive requests via email (RS-PropTax-TE@co.anoka.mn.us) and through U.S. mail when original documents must be submitted.  All completed directives will be returned via U.S. mail.
    • We will follow the lead of Court Administration regarding any Court Cases.  As of March 16, 2020, all hearings in cases assigned to the Examiner of Titles are suspended through March 30, 2020.  No new hearing should be scheduled until further notice.
    • You can continue to reach the Examiner of Titles Office by phone (763-324-1199) or email (RS-PropTax-TE@co.anoka.mn.us).

  11. Special Events


    • Senior Expo (April 18) POSTPONED UNTIL A LATER DATE
    • Law Day (May 1) Canceled

  12. 10th Judicial District (Courthouse)

    The 10th Judicial District courthouse remains open and operational. People who need to access the courthouse should use door #3 on 3rd Ave. next to the main entrance of the Government Center. Although the parking ramp is open, the entrance door near the ramp (#16) is closed. Please continue down between the buildings and take right just past the loading dock and enter door #14. Once inside, continue down the hall to the security checkpoint.

  13. Environmental Health

    • All routine inspection have ceased that includes food & beverage, lodging, pools, well sanitation surveys, body art, hazardous waste and transfer stations.
    • Well water samples – ceased since the public cannot access our office for processing.
    • We will respond to complaints by phone unless it is imminent health hazard, food borne illness outbreak or egregious enough to warrant a site visit. The businesses will be contacted prior to evaluate illness at the facility

  14. 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.

  15. 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
  16. Immunization Clinics
    • All Public Health immunization clinics are cancelled until further notice.

  17. Job Training Center

    • All in-person services are suspended until March 30.
    • Staff are still available. All counseling will take place over the phone.
    • Please contact us with any questions here: 763-324-2300

  18. Law Library

    • Law Library is CLOSED.
    • 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 lawlibrarian@co.anoka.mn.us for assistance using the courts website or locating any other legal information, including information from Westlaw
    • Legal Advice Clinics will resume as soon as possible.  Call or e-mail for more information.   

  19. Ongoing Services


    • AARP Free Income Tax Assistance sites suspended until further notice. View updates on AARP Free Income Tax Assistance here.
    • Anoka County Medlink (service providing rides to senior citizens, veterans to medical, dental and social service appointments suspended until further notice.
    • The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is suspended until further notice.
    • The Anoka County Eastern Human Services Center (Lexington) and Southern Neighborhood Center (Columbia Heights) will close Wednesday, March 18 until further notice.

    The CDC provides guidance for employers, communities and individuals about what they can do to help slow or stop the spread of COVID-19. CDC PDF

  20. 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

    Some payments can be made online - https://www.anokacounty.us/1217/Online-Payments
     

    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

  21. Property Records and Taxation (including Vital Records)

     
    • Office location CLOSED
    • Property tax payments continue to be accepted by U.S. mail.
    • 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.
    • 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 (RS-VitalStats@co.anoka.mn.us) during normal working hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
    • For information regarding a Marriage License Application please contact our office.
    • You can continue to reach Property Records & Taxation by phone (763-323-5400) or email (RS-PropTax@co.anoka.mn.us) during normal working hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

  22. 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
    public.health@co.anoka.mn.us

  23. Purchasing

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

  24. Recycling

    Facility Closure Notice:

    • Anoka County Household Hazardous Waste Facility is closed until further notice

    Event Cancellation Notice:

    • Coon Rapids Fix-It-Clinic on Saturday April 4th is canceled
    • Please check back for up to date information on other events

    Continued Services:

    • Bunker Hills compost & organics recycling drop-off is open  (Saturday 9am-1pm).
    • Rice Creek compost & organics recycling drop-off is open (Saturday 9am-1pm).

    AnokaCounty.us/recycle

    recycle@co.anoka.mn.us

    763-324-3400


  25. Sheriff’s Office

    Jail


    The Jail of the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, located at 325 East Jackson St., in Anoka,  is closed 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)
    • 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 closed. 
      • 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.
    • During our closure, Civil Unit Staff will still be working to provide service of process to the public via modified methods.  We can accept your documents via e-mail at RS-Civil@co.anoka.mn.us 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 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. 
     


  26. 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

  27. Transit

    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.

    Medlink Services

    • Anoka County Medlink Service SUSPENDED.  
      • Starting Wednesday, March 18 Anoka County Medlink Volunteer Driver service is suspended for the next four weeks. County management and the Board will be reevaluating services to determine if this timeframe will be extended or if we will be able to resume normal rides on April 20. Please call the Anoka County Medlink phone number (763) 324 – 3255 to get updated information the week before to see if there will be an extension on this suspension.
      • Metro Mobility is an alternative. Contact by calling (651) 602 – 1111.

    Taveler Transit Link

    • Anoka County Traveler Transit Link is an alternative service you can try. Please call (651) 602 – 5465 option 1 and then 1 again for Anoka County.
      • Transit Link is implementing a new protocol Monday, March 23 where each Transit Link customer will be given an exclusive ride
      • Current Transit Link customers can now 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 Hosted Events

    • Commute Solutions Transit Tours have been postponed indefinitely.
      • March Transit Tour to the Mall of America on March 28 is postponed.
      • April Transit Tour to the Rosedale Mall for SeaQuest is also postponed.
      • 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.

  28. 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: veterans@co.anoka.mn.us
     

  29. 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. 

    Available programs PDF

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