Carlton County COVID-19 update 5/4/20
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 7,234 lab-confirmed cases on MDH’s website, 396 are currently hospitalized and 4,212 no longer need isolation (recovered). The Moose Lake Correctional Facility has reported 34 lab-confirmed cases in inmates (these fall within the 60 total in Carlton County) and 31 presumed positive, with 40 of which have recovered (MN Department of Corrections website).
Please continue to visit the Stay at Home MN website for updated data (dashboard), testing locations, state response (Governor Walz’s Actions, Latest News, etc.), resources, etc.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has a dedicated web page to keep you up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 operations changes at Minnesota state parks, trails, and forests. Check it out here. Their six tips for what you can do, as well as keeping yourself and others safe associated with parks are as follows:
- Stay close to home Explore a new park, trail or public land in your area (emphasis in YOUR, aka "local.")
- Practice social distancing. Stay 6-10 feet from others, including park staff.
- Avoid peak state park hours: 11 am – 4 pm weekdays, all the time on weekends.
- Check park pages before visiting for updates on visitation, flood, and construction.
- Be prepared to change your plans. If your destination looks too busy when you arrive, go elsewhere.
- Some hiking trails might be too narrow to maintain social distancing—avoid these trails.
The Minnesota Department of Administration has issued guidance for Resorts, RV Resorts and Private and Public Campgrounds. All of the details can be found here. A few highlights:
Resorts: The hotel portions of resorts (including rented cabins) can open as planned and can accept guests, although resorts do not have to open if they are not comfortable doing so. While resorts can accept visitors, the Stay at Home Order continues to discourage unnecessary travel, and the Order asks people to remain close to their homes.
RV Resorts: People who rely on their campsite as a primary residence, or that are seasonal renters and who maintain personal property at their site, can continue to utilize the RV resort, although RV resorts do not have to open if they are not comfortable doing so.
Private and Public Campgrounds: All private and public campgrounds and dispersed camping sites are closed to recreational camping. This means that camp sites that are reserved for temporary or rotating use for purely recreational and short term purposes are not allowed.
Additional Health Recommendations:
Please see this graphic, developed by MDH, that helps in classifying symptoms related to common respiratory illnesses and conditions, especially as may are beginning to experience allergies this time of year!
Information provided by MedExpress Urgent Care: they are providing COVID-19 testing at designated locations, including in Cloquet, Minnesota. Testing will only be available to those who meet CDC-based screening criteria. If you are seeking COVID-19 testing, visit www.medexpress.com/covid19 to review the CDC-based screening criteria prior to visiting. If you believe the screening criteria apply to you, please call your local MedExpress center, and team members will help you determine next steps. MedExpress centers are open 8am-8pm daily. For a list of designated MedExpress COVID-19 testing locations, visit this website.
Information provided by Community Memorial Hospital (CMH): Covid-19 Testing Available at CMH Raiter Family Clinic Testing Site: Testing for Covid-19 is available at the mobile testing site located in the parking lot of CMH Raiter Family Clinic. A doctor’s order is necessary before you can be tested. To be evaluated for a doctor’s order, call 218-879-1271. Testing is available at the mobile site Monday-Friday from 8am-4:30pm. The CMH Nurse Hotline is available 24/7 at 218.499.6799.
Information provided by Mercy Hospital: Michelle Anderson, Foundation Director at Mercy Hospital in Moose Lake, received letters, cards and pictures of thanks and encouragement for Mercy Hospital staff. These were created by students and coordinated by the teachers at our local schools, Cromwell Wright, East Central and Willow River. The kids and teachers were very excited to do something to put smiles on the faces of Mercy staff and help keep spirits lifted! Their beautiful and heartfelt work is greatly appreciated.
Mental Wellbeing Tip of the Day:
Stay connected: Get creative and move your happy hour or church group to a video conferencing platform rather than cancelling all together!
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