Dear Neighbors,
Our communities are facing a public health crisis the likes of which many of us have never seen. I encourage folks to continue to listen to the advice of health experts from the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control.
By now, most of us are aware of the dramatic step Governor Walz took earlier this week in issuing Executive Order 20-04, ordering the closure of all restaurants, bars, clubs, gyms, and other similar spaces. Grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, and others will remain open. Delivery and curbside pickup for restaurants will remain available.
This executive order, although aimed at slowing the rate of infection, will no doubt cause serious economic hardship for our local small businesses—employees and employers alike.
That’s why it’s more important than ever that we do what we can to support local businesses during this uncertain time.
A reminder that if your employment has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, I urge you to apply for unemployment benefits online. Visit the Unemployment Insurance Program website at www.uimn.org to learn more.
Additionally, the Minnesota Department of Revenue has granted a Sales and Use Tax grace period for businesses identified in the Governor's Executive Order 20-04. If you are an impacted business in our community, visit https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/sales-and-use-tax for more information.
The Willmar Lakes Area Visitors Bureau put together a list (as of 3-18) of restaurants in Kandiyohi County that are offering drive-thru, delivery and curbside pick-up options.
Please be sure to support these businesses during this uncertain time!
Have a good day,
Dave