A Message From The City Council

Press release from the City of Richfield:

April 10, 2020

Richfield residents,

"The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has taken a toll on all of us. It challenges our physical, mental and financial health. As a city council, we are so encouraged by the countless stories of residents helping their neighbors, whether it’s getting groceries, calling to check in, or just providing some much needed positivity. With the announcement from Governor Walz on Wednesday, April 8, that Minnesota’s Stay At Home order will be extended through May 4, we must continue our efforts to look out for one another.

All of us on the city council support the Governor’s extended Stay At Home order and the efforts by our health officials to keep our state ahead of this pandemic. As Governor Walz said, “Staying home is not doing nothing. It is helping bend the curve and slow the spread of the disease.” It was projected by some health officials that the doubling of cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota would occur every two days. However, with the Stay At Home order and the public’s commitment to social distancing and self-isolation, it is instead taking eight days for the number of cases to double. That is the definition of bending the curve! Staying at home has been working. All of us in Richfield are helping save lives in Minnesota when we Stay At Home.

In times like these, we must continue to support each other. If it is financially possible, please consider supporting our restaurants, local businesses and donating to or volunteering at our local non-profits. While you can no longer sit down at your favorite place to eat, most local restaurants are still offering takeout or delivery. These establishments support our community and have established Richfield as a go-to dining destination. Find a full list of restaurants offering takeout or delivery on the Visit Richfield website.

Finally, the topic of mental health has become more prevalent in conversations with residents. It is true that staying home has helped to decrease the spread of the coronavirus, but being cooped up inside can be draining on our psyche. We encourage you to find new and engaging outlets to flex your mental muscles, whether it is through writing letters to loved ones, crafting, putting puzzles together, completing crosswords or any other activity you may enjoy. If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic abuse during this time, please seek immediate help by calling 911. We encourage all residents to seek professional help if their mental health struggles begin to interfere with everyday life. Hennepin County has several resources on their website that residents can utilize.

Soon, we will return to a new version of our normal lives and all the social activities we hold dear, but the waiting can be challenging. Continue to take care of yourselves and those around you.

The City of Richfield has created a COVID-19 resource page that provides updates on city services and how residents can obtain the assistance they need in these difficult times. You can find the webpage at: www.richfieldmn.gov/covid19."

Take care of yourself and one another,

Maria Regan Gonzalez
Mayor of Richfield
612-500-3862
mregan@richfieldmn.gov

Mary Supple
At-Large Council Member
612-866-8829 or 612-281-7482
msupple@richfieldmn.gov

Simon Trautmann
Council Member Ward 1
612-205-6822
strautmann@richfieldmn.gov

Edwina Garcia
Council Member Ward 2
612-861-6140
egarcia@richfieldmn.gov

Ben Whalen
Council Member Ward 3
612-361-1563
bwhalen@richfieldmn.gov

This press release was produced by the City of Richfield. The views expressed here are the author’s own.