Carlton County COVID-19 update 3/20/20
Health Recommendations:
The Minnesota Department of Health has referred to ‘flattening the curve’, which should be the result of many of the community mitigation strategies that have been put into place. Quick and continued action during a disease outbreak slows the speed at which the disease spreads and reduces the overall number of those who become ill. Employed during H1N1, these measures worked effectively to mitigate the pandemic. More information can be found here: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/mdh.html#pan
Governor Walz’s Media Briefing, from today, March 20, 2020, can be reviewed on the Minnesota Department of Health’s Facebook Page.
A note about testing: over 4000 tests have been run by MDH lab for COVID-19 since March 1st and 115 have been confirmed positive, with eight requiring hospitalization (not all eight remain hospitalized). They are prioritizing testing at the MDH lab to those at higher risk, but specimens sent that are low risk are not being thrown away and will be run if/when supplies are available. As a reminder, MDH is giving this guidance: “Most cases of COVID-19 are mild with symptoms like fever and coughing. If you have symptoms and can manage them at home, you don’t need to seek health care or be tested for COVID-19. If your symptoms worsen, call your health care provider before seeking care in-person. This gets you the care you need without putting others at risk of exposure. If you are sick with respiratory symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, etc.) stay home for at least 7 days, and for 3 days with no fever or improvement of other symptoms, whichever is longer. If you know you were exposed to COVID-19 and feel healthy, stay home for 14 days. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.”
Carlton County Public Health and Human Services is continuing to recommend that anyone with general health-related questions about COVID-19 call MDH’s hotline (7am-7pm): 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903.
Please continue to access the following websites for the most up to date and accurate information:
(State) Minnesota Department of Health - MDH: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
(National) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
(International) World Health Organization - WHO: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Carlton County Updates:
Carlton County anticipates new developments early next week as the county continues to prioritize ongoing service provision, balancing safety with services.
Press releases will continue to be added to Carlton County’s website homepage (www.co.carlton.mn.us), under the Newsflash Section. They will also be added to Carlton County’s Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/CarltonCountyMN/), along with other community resources.