City and State Closure Updates
(As of Nov 19)
Find Testing Locations
COVID-19 Test at Home
DIAL BACK, MINNESOTA - Nov 18, 2020
Dial Back, Minnesota is a temporary pause of most social activities, in-person dining, sports, and indoor fitness activity in group settings. This four-week pause will be in place between November 20, 2020, through December 18, 2020. While some businesses can continue to offer goods and services in a safe manner, many others will again have to weather the challenge of adjusting their operations to “to-go” or virtual means. We hope these temporary changes will reduce the number of infections while safely supporting our schools, hospitals, and the economy.
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS SERVICESIn response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and to protect our customers and employees, the City of Columbia Heights had closed the majority of its public-facing services, effective March 17 through June 1, 2020. Most facilities reopened by June 8, with social distancing precautions in place. Residents are asked not to conduct business in person if they feel any cold- or flu-like symptoms, and conduct business remotely if possible.
Even with a reduction in face-to-face visits, staff is available to help you via email or phone. City staff contact information can be found here. If you know the department you need to speak with, please navigate to their page, which also has contact information. Otherwise, please call the City’s main number, 763-706-3600, and someone will direct your call.
City Council
Regular Council meetings are held in the Council Chambers with social separation precautions in place to help protect the citizens, staff, and the Council.
Public Safety – Police and Fire
Response to emergencies is not altered. Modified response to non-emergency calls for service.
Boards and Commissions
All meetings of Boards and Commissions are scheduled on a tentative basis.
City Hall
Public-facing services resumed June 3 with restrictions in place. If you can, please continue to conduct business remotely. If you come into a City building, please practice social distancing and wear a facemask (the state mandates wearing facemasks inside all public buildings starting July 25). Also, for in-person payments, credit cards are encouraged.
Permit applications can also be found online here, and submitted via, email, direct mail, or utility bill drop box at City Hall.
Limited inspection services within the scope of social separation guidelines. With pre-approval of the Building Official some inspections can be completed virtually.
Recreation
• Parks remain open. Social distancing while in parks is required.
• Murzyn Hall and Rec Offices are open.
• Some programs, classes, and events are being offered with limited participation.
• Hall and meeting room rental reservations have resumed with capacity restrictions.
• Hylander Center city gym is CLOSED until further notice.
• Senior Citizen Center offering programs with limitations on participants.
Youth programs that provide care or supervision of children can continue to operate if they can do so safely in accordance with the COVID-19 Prevention Guidance for Youth and Student Programs available on the Stay Safe Minnesota website (https://staysafemn.gov/).
- “Youth Programs” means programs providing care or enrichment to children or adolescents that require registration and have on-site supervision. This includes certified child care centers, youth enrichment programs, programs exempt from licensure, community education classes, community center based programs, school age care 18 programs operated by public and private schools, parks and recreation programs, art programs, and day camps (but not overnight camps). “Youth Programs” does not include:
- Licensed child care facilities or school-district summer learning programs; or
- Organized Youth Sports organizations and programs, described in paragraph 7.g, unless the primary purpose of the program is to provide care or supervision to children or youth, and not provide sports instruction or competition.
Columbia Heights Recreation has a COVID-Preparedness plan in place in a controlled environment.
PlaygroundsWhen the Governor announced the Stay-at-Home Emergency Executive Order, playgrounds were originally listed as closed. That guidance has changed to acknowledge that it is up to the cities to decide. The City of Columbia Heights is not closing off playgrounds at this time, but strongly discourages their use and cautions residents who visit parks to continue to practice social distancing. The Huset Park splash pad and all wading pools in the City was closed for the summer.
Events
100th Anniversary Celebrations in 2021 are still scheduled to move forward as planned. To view the schedule of events click here.
Library
Library reopened July 6 with several restrictions in place. Online services are also available.
Beginning July 6, the Columbia Heights Public Library reopened at 50% capacity with reduced hours of:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 1 pm – 7 pm
Thursday, Friday: 11 am – 4 pm
Saturday: 11 am – 3 pm
• Customers can enter the building without an appointment to pick up holds, browse the shelves, and use computers and copier.
• Staff will be wearing masks; visitors will be encouraged to do so too.
• Everyone will be asked to maintain social distance of at least six feet from others.
• Furniture and computers have been rearranged to facilitate distancing.
• Visitors will be encouraged to complete essential business in 90 minutes or less in order to allow others to access the building.
• Meeting and study rooms will not be available.
• Staff will be sanitizing high touch areas throughout the day.
• Hand sanitizer will be available for patrons.
• Quarantining of materials will be discontinued so patrons with concerns should be encouraged to wash hands and set books aside before reading.
• Curbside pickup of materials will be available by arrangement for vulnerable populations. All others may pick up holds and self check within the building.
Visit the library’s page for updated information.
Contact a librarian by phone between 9 am - 5 pm for assistance.
Wi-FI (“City Public” network) is available in parking lot outside the building.
Public Works
Public-facing services opened June 3.
Recycling Center has resumed its usual Saturday schedule.
Social separation precautions in place to continue essential operations.
Columbia Heights School District
For more specific and up-to-date details, visit the district's COVID-19 information page here.
Immaculate Conception Catholic School
For more specific and up-to-date details, visit the school's COVID-19 information page here.
Prodeo Academy
For more specific and up-to-date details, visit the school's COVID-19 information page here.
Top Valu Liquor Stores
All three Top Valu liquor stores are open. Hours and locations can be found here.
Area Restaurants
For a list of area restaurants that are still offering takeout and delivery, click here. Many restaurants reopened with outside seating starting June 1.
Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline
MDH has set up a public hotline that is open every day 7 am to 7 pm. The hotline number is 651-201-3920.
If You Are Sick: Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
Follow CDC recommendations for preventing the spread of COVID-19.
What You Can Do Now:
Put personal preparedness strategies in place for you and your family. Information can be found at:
Personal and Family Preparedness
Pandemic Preparedness
The best protective recommendation is to avoid being exposed to the COVID-19 virus by following CDC travel recommendations and following recommendations for colds and flu:
Stay home when you are sick
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Practice good handwashing
Disinfect surfaces
Printable Don’t Spread Germs poster PDF