Carlton County COVID-19 update 4/30/20
General Updates:
For updated case counts around the state, please continue to reference the situation map, updated by MDH daily at 11am here. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) continues to do the main investigation of each case, and Carlton County Public Health staff will follow-up when needed.
Statewide, of the 5,136 lab-confirmed cases on MDH’s website, 365 are currently hospitalized and 2,172 no longer need isolation (recovered). The Moose Lake Correctional Facility has reported 33 lab-confirmed cases in inmates (these fall within the 59 total in Carlton County), 33 of which have recovered (MN Department of Corrections website).
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention has new guidance for Households Living in Close Quarters, such as people who share a small apartment, or for people who live in the same household with large or extended families.
For those with questions about food safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, MDH has compiled of resources from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) here.
Help with Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Feeling Stuck, and Crisis Situations for Farming Families
Farming can be a stressful occupation. Often farmers live where they work and provide food to the communities they live in. COVID-19 is affecting Minnesota’s farmers significantly now with the closing of several meat processing/packing plants due to COVID-19 infections among plant employees.
It appears that many pork producers will need to begin to depopulate animals from their herds at significantly high rates. The thought of having to resort to this will and is causing a huge amount of anxiety and stress and may cause farmers to feel rather helpless.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has several resources that can assist farmers with the anxiety and the issues they are facing – find them here. The U of M Extension has also created a webpage for coping with rural stress – find more information here.
If you know a farmer that could use help figuring out who to contact, call the Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline at 1-833-600-2670 x0 during business hours, or use TTY at 711. Crisis Text Line is also available 24/7 by texting “MN” to 741741. Additional resources to assist in coping with COVID – 19 stress can be found here.
Please see “Recommendations for Observing Ramadan While Slowing the Spread of COVID-19” as given by MDH here.
Additional Health Recommendations:
Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Basic suggestions are included, in addition to more specific information about Asthma, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Hypertension or Stroke, and Cancer. Check out this information from MDH about managing chronic conditions during COVID-19!
Prevent the spread of COVID-19 while you shop!
Check out this video about helping to keep those who need to work healthy by staying at home. People who work in areas like medical care, grocery stores, collecting garbage and recycling, manufacturing essential products, and many others all have to leave their homes to serve our community. When you stay in your home and only go out for essential things, you are helping to keep them healthy.
Mental Wellbeing Tip of the Day:
Stay Connected:
While practicing social distancing, it is important that we stay connected with loved ones. Use social media, telephone, and email to remain connected to those who are your strongest support system.
FREE access to webinar recording (MN Association for Children’s Mental Health): “Helping Your Children Manage COVID-19 Realities: Beyond the Facts and Into the Effects on our Lives”
Families in Minnesota, as well as around the country and world, are navigating through ongoing stress, trauma and disruption to their daily lives as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This webinar and associated resources are designed to help families and professionals support both their own mental health as well as the mental health of the children in their care as this public health crisis unfolds. View the webinar and access the resources here.
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 (8am-6pm): 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903.
Carlton County Updates:
Please continue to visit the County webpage for updated details on building/service availability: http://www.co.carlton.mn.us/.
Resources:
Please continue to access the following websites for the most up to date and accurate information:
- Stay At Home Executive Order – MN
- (State) Minnesota Department of Health
- (National) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- (International) World Health Organization