While the state has slowly allowed what it deems “non-essential” businesses and services to open, the city of Grand Marais has been working within those guidelines so it could safely open its’ campground, liquor store, library and golf course.
So what COVID-19 preparedness plans have the city implemented? The state’s “playbook” is thick, so here are just a few steps taken by managers and employees of different departments to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 to workers and patrons.
Each department began the process by following the city’s declaration: “Our goal is to mitigate the potential for transmission of COVID- 19 in our workplaces and communities, and that requires full cooperation among our workers, management, and customers.”
Grand Marais Liquor Store
Beginning April 1, curbside pick-up was implemented and is still available. Cash is not accepted because cash carries a lot of germs, so payment is made with credit and debit cards.
The liquor store is now open for customers to enter, but only a few are allowed in at a time to maintain the six-foot social distancing rule. For those who don’t want to go in, they can still call in an order, which is brought to their waiting vehicles when the order has been filled.
The governor of Minnesota deemed liquor stores “essential,” so the municipal liquor store has been open with liquor store clerks wearing facemasks and following the rigorous cleaning guidelines set by the state.
Some of the other steps taken to protect city workers, and the public were to install Plexiglas barriers at the cash register and to reposition products to create more distance between the staff and customers.
City employees have been encouraged to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. Workers are required to stay home if they are feeling ill, and to be checked at the clinic if they are experiencing symptoms for COVID-19.
Gunflint Hills Golf Course
At the Gunflint Hills Golf Course, golfers call ahead to schedule a tee time and pay by credit or debit card for their round(s) or for a pass.
Golfers are instructed not to touch flagsticks. Touch points such as rakes, benches, ball washers, and waste bins have been removed from the course. The clubhouse has been closed to group gatherings, and walk-up sales, for those that didn’t call ahead, are conducted through a plastic barrier ticket window.
Cart restrictions are in place: single riders only, unless you are from the same household. Carts are disinfected with EPA approved cleaner between rentals.
Grand Marais Parks Department
Following the State of Minnesota Industry Guidelines, the Grand Marais Parks Department has established a wide range of best practices to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. Some steps taken include workplace building and ventilation protocols; workplace cleaning and disinfecting protocols, protections and protocols for receiving and exchanging payment, etc.
Weekly staff tailgate meetings will be held to address staff concerns and highlight new safety developments. Worker and customer feedback will be used to enhance the safety of all park facilities.
Grand Marais Public Library
Books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, etc.can be checked out online and picked up at the new outdoor service window.
Starting Wednesday, June 24, The Grand Marais Public Library’s pickup window hours were extended as follows: Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.(closed Saturday, July 4).
The Grand Marais Public Library has adopted protection controls for pick-up and drop-off of materials. These controls include cleaning, disinfecting, decontamination and ventilation for the materials and the facility.
Grand Marais City Hall
A Plexiglas barrier has been installed at the counter and a limited number of customers can have access to the lobby. Customers will not be allowed to use office restrooms or breakrooms. Customers can pay bills and complete most transactions online or over the telephone. There is also an exterior dropbox near the main entrance to pay PUC bills and drop off other documents.
The public restrooms adjacent to the parking lot are open.
The City Hall COVID-19 preparedness plan follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Minnesota Department of Health guidelines, federal OSHA standards and related COVID-19 and Executive Order 20-48.
Worker leave policies have been put in place that promotes workers to stay home when they are sick, when household members are sick, or when required by a health care provider to isolate or quarantine their household. During that time of quarantine, the Family and Medical Leave Act and Families First Coronavirus Response Act will be followed by the city.
Of course, all of these programs use the Big Three Rules: social distancing, hand washing, and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze and wearing masks when appropriate.
Other city news
*Based on the recommendation of Grand Marais Library Director Amanda St. John, the city council agreed to hire Kristin Woizeschke as the new assistant library director. Her start date depends on when she finds housing.
* Mayor Jay Arrowsmith- Decoux said business owners who wanted to apply for a license to manage seagulls had contacted the city. More on that next week.
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