Paul Sandy, Brainerd’s city engineer and a member of the MnLTAP Steering Committee, shares how his city is adapting to life with COVID-19 (as of August 13).
Have you added or changed a process for cleaning equipment or facilities?
We have added additional cleaning services to our facilities, and staff sanitize public surfaces twice a day. Our custodial services also have been contracted to perform extra cleaning during these times.
Doors are now fully open to the public and not locked. We have sign-in sheets, masks, and sanitizer at all entrances into the building. Police and Fire Departments remain closed and utilize their camera system to let people in.
Are you holding virtual meetings or other alternatives to communicate and stay engaged?
The City Council is still meeting virtually, although I anticipate that will end soon. Some committees and commissions have begun meeting in person and practicing social distancing, and we’re seeing more of that again.
Are you asking staff to wear masks indoors?
With the new mask mandate, all employees and residents are required to wear masks. Employees are required to when they leave their desk.
Have you altered your office/shop layout to allow for social distancing?
We are asking all staff to practice social distancing. However, we have not altered workstations, as all are already set up to more than 6 feet apart.
Do you have plans in place if a staffer is diagnosed with the virus?
The city’s preparedness plan covers what happens if a staff member becomes sick with COVID-19. The city also has a work-from-home plan that gets updated periodically for all departments. It has split-shift procedures, who is reporting to work, and who is working from home. We have continued to keep our preparedness plan up to date with new guidance.
