PPE and Face Mask COVID-19 Donations

The Salvation Army has reported to HSEM a donation of N-95 face masks that reminds us all of the personal sacrifices being made during the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteers were recently approached by a couple who handed over a gallon-sized bag with three masks, neatly packaged inside. It was accompanied by a note that read: “Sorry, these three looks not good, but we never weared it. We just put in our backpack. Sorry. Thank you for taking care of us. God Bless us!”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there are several ways HSEM is working with partners to collect personal protective equipment (PPE) such as facemasks, respirators, face shields, gloves and gowns. If you own a large- to medium-sized business and want to donate any of those PPE items, the Salvation Army will accept  donations at a site in Roseville (2445 Prior Ave N).

If you’re an individual who would like to donate, HSEM asks that you contact your county or tribal emergency manager. Find your local emergency manager using this interactive map.

Five Ways You Can Help During the COVID-19 Outbreak

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When there’s an emergency, it’s only natural for us to want to step up and help where we can. That’s why we’ve gathered a list of several things you can do to assist those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Be sure to visit our State Emergency Operations Center webpage often.

That’s where we post daily updates about actions being taken on a state level as we work with federal and local partners to keep communities safe. It also includes resources, rumor control information and a list of ways you can help during the outbreak. We’ll update this page as response efforts continue in the coming weeks, so don’t forget to share it with friends and family.

SEOC Activated, Hotline Taking Calls About Businesses, School Closures and Child Care

The Minnesota State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is under a Level II Activation following Gov. Tim Walz's executive order issuing a Peacetime State of Emergency in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The SEOC Hotline is now also activated to answer business, school and child care questions. The hotline number is 651-297-1304 or toll-free at 800-657-3504. Staff from the Departments of Education and Human Services will answer calls from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.​ No additional SEOC staffing is required at this time.

Health-related questions? The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has issued updated strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19. Learn more about them here. If you can't find the information you need online regarding health-related questions​, call the MDH hotline at 651-201-3920 or toll-free at 800-657-3903. 

Learn about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations​ for COVID-19.

Governor Proposes Additional Funding for Disaster Assistance Account

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Gov. Tim Walz announced a funding proposal that would replenish the state’s Disaster Assistance Contingency Account. He’s asking lawmakers to approve $30 million dollars to prevent the account from being exhausted leading into the active spring and summer severe weather season. The reimbursement funds provide emergency assistance to Minnesota communities after a state-declared emergency or disaster.

Last session, the Minnesota Legislature funded the Disaster Assistance Contingency Account with enough dollars to account for the state’s 25-percent share of FEMA’s spring 2019 flooding assessments, as well as additional state-declared emergencies. But in January, Minnesota was informed that FEMA underestimated the cost of recovery and nearly doubled their assessment. That means, the Disaster Assistance Contingency Account will soon be depleted.