MMCD and COVID-19: We Can Get Through This Together

Ticks are Back! Here’s What You Might Find in Minnesota

April 8, 2020

Mosquito Control In The Time Of COVID-19 – WCCO

April 30, 2020

Published by Alex Carlson at April 21, 2020

Latest COVID Message (Updated May 10, 2021):

MMCD is closely monitoring the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation in regards to any impact it may have on our operations or services. MMCD has been, and will continue to follow recommendations and protocols established by the CDC, Minnesota Department of Health, and state and local agencies. Safety of MMCD staff and District residents is our highest priority.

All MMCD facilities remain closed to the public until further notice. If you need to contact us, please call (651) 645-9149. This will continue at least through July 1. All MMCD facilities will reopen only when supported by recommendations of the CDC, Minnesota Department of Health, and state and local agencies in coordination with the stepwise easing of restrictions announced by Governor Walz on May 6.

The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District is considered an essential public health service by the Governor's executive order. However, our services are still impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many MMCD staff are unavailable due to school closures, caring for family members, or other precautionary reasons. Our goal is to prioritize staff and public safety by observing social distancing guidelines. We are working to continue our services as efficiently as possible with the resources and safety procedures available, but many services will be delayed until the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and conditions return to normal.

Any other inquiries can be directed to us via phone or e-mail. Stay tuned to our website and Twitter or Facebook for the latest updates!

Here is a quick guide about how MMCD programs will be different as we take precautions for the safety of our staff and community:

Service calls may be delayed.

We still want to hear from you when mosquitoes are bad in your area, but due to staffing limitations and safety precautions we may not respond to service calls immediately. We will also prioritize communication over the phone before we do a site inspection to avoid in-person interactions.

Tires will still be picked up.

Eliminating waste tires is an important way to reduce breeding habitat for mosquitoes that could carry diseases so we will pick up tires when our staff is available. Please help us out by ensuring all tires are off the rims and by moving them to a place that is easily accessible by our trucks.

Presentations and public events are suspended.

As many events have been cancelled to reduce COVID-19 exposure, you're not likely to see us in your community as often as in previous years. We are hard at work producing various blog posts and videos to provide information that will be helpful and educational to residents. If you have mosquito questions or need advice, we are always here to answer your questions so give us a call or send an e-mail!

Surveillance and control will continue as planned.

You're likely to still see MMCD out doing our regular mosquito and black fly control and tick surveillance activities. We will be treating catch basins, using helicopters to control mosquito larvae, setting adult mosquito traps, dipping for larvae counts after rain, and a variety of other activities.

Here are a few ways that you can help MMCD during this time:

Check your yard for containers.

Anything that can hold standing water has the potential to breed mosquitoes, so now is a great time to clear gutters, remove unused flower pots, and fill in any tree holes or low spots. Encourage your neighbors to do the same!

Wear bug spray and stick to the trails.

If you're enjoying some extra time outdoors during the "Stay at Home" order, be sure to wear bug spray. If you're in tick habitat, be sure to stick to the trails and wear light colors to make them easier to spot.

Give MMCD employees social distance.

You may see MMCD staff out in the community doing surveillance, treatment, or other work. Please give them appropriate social distance for their safety and yours!

Together we can get through this. We appreciate your support of MMCD!

Alex Carlson

Alex Carlson is the Public Affairs Manager at the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District. Any media inquiries or questions about the website can be directed to acarlson@mmcd.org

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