Post Date: 03/27/2020 7:38 PM

Complete a survey, share ideas and stories and ask questions on Sound off Mankato. Information gathered will be used to help inform city services and discussions with local partners of meeting community needs.

In addition, view information and resources about COVID-19. For more information, or if interested in completing survey in another format, or interested in providing ideas or stories, please contact staff at 311 or 507-387-8600.

#StayHomeMN for public health and safety

The Stay at Home Executive Order: The Minnesota Model begins 11:59 p.m., tonight lasts to 5 p.m., Friday, April 10. It's important to note that there are some exceptions to the executive order, and residents may leave their homes to pick up essential items--groceries or food, prescriptions and gas. People may also go to work if job is determined to be essential; and delivery and carry-out from local restaurant businesses can continue.

During this time, Mankato's bus service will continue as an essential service to provide transportation options for the community. Fares are suspended for health and safety because the fare box is located next to the driver. In addition, social distancing and screening of paratransit clients continues. Commonly touched surfaces are disinfected regularly, buses are sanitized at the end of each shift and deep cleaned and disinfected twice a week.

311 Mankato expands customer service hours

View answers to frequently asked questions about the stay at home order.

During this time, 311 Mankato customer service center has expanding its hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Options to connect with staff:

By phone: 311 or 507-387-8600

Live chat: mankatomn.gov

Email: 311@mankatomn.gov

For more information contact staff at 311 or 507-387-8600.

Compost site information

Minnesota Paving and Materials compost site will keep its current hours -- Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until further notice.

For more information about the compost site call 507-388-3122.

Playground equipment closed for health and safety

Although Mankato's parks remain open, playground equipment will not be available for use. The city is implementing these measures in the best interest of public health and safety.

Help be part of the solution by placing disposable wipes in the trash--not the toilet. Recently, the amount of disposable wipes ending up at Mankato's wastewater treatment plant and lift stations has increased. Wastewater treatment plants were not designed to handle substances that don’t break down.

Although wipes may be labeled “flushable,” they don’t dissolve or break down in the wastewater treatment system. Wipes can create maintenance problems such as plugged pipes and pumps that can lead to sewer back-ups. Ultimately, all can be costly to taxpayers.

For more information, contact staff at 311 or 507-387-8600.