Carlton County COVID-19 update 6/17/20
General Updates:
For updated case counts around the state, please continue to reference the situation map, updated by MDH daily at 11am here (includes county-specific case count). 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 31,296 lab-confirmed cases on MDH’s website, 351 are currently hospitalized and 27,404 no longer need isolation. Please visit the MN Department of Corrections website for more cases specific to those who are incarcerated.
**Please note change: For any questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, call the Minnesota Helpline at 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504, Monday-Friday: 8am-4:30pm
As communities have moved into the allowance of indoor and outdoor gatherings as part of Phase III of StaySafeMN, the guidance has also been updated and can be found here. This includes key requirements (occupant capacity limits, safety measures, etc.), food and beverages, etc. Concerns or violations of business safety protocols should be directed to sahviolations@state.mn.us.
Updated guidance for Window Visits at Long-Term Care Facilities can be found here.
For updated answers to Frequently Asked Questions regarding the StaySafeMN order, please visit this website.
Make a Plan MN! As Minnesota perseveres through the COVID-19 public health crisis, we know that more people will become sick and require hospitalization. We need families to be prepared. In other states, countries, and communities in Minnesota, there have been parents who have become too ill with COVID-19 to care for their children for short periods of time. These circumstances present a need to identify alternate caregivers who can step in to help care for children – who have likely been exposed to the virus. Unfortunately, this virus doesn’t always leave time for people to make plans. We are urging all Minnesotans who are responsible for the care of a child to make a plan now for alternate short term care for their children in the event parents or guardians become ill. Use the following resources for conversation and planning:
- Make a Plan MN Guide for Planning
- Make a Plan MN Emergency Family Planning and Information Kit
Additional Health Recommendations:
A reminder for Carlton County residents to complete this survey related to mental health and well-being needs for residents, related to COVID-19. The brief survey will help develop plans to effectively address the community’s needs in the coming months. Responses will be collected until 7/3/20.
Physically distance, but remain socially connected! See tips from MDH’s website:
Use technology to stay in touch if available, especially video contact. Seeing someone’s facial expressions can help increase connection.
Check in with your friends, family, and neighbors regularly, using texts, phone calls, emails and other virtual tools.
Wherever you can, help people in your life who may be more vulnerable (e.g. those with no access to the internet or need help grocery shopping)
Connect with the people in your household. Use this time to improve your existing relationships!
Manage your stress. Create a daily self-care routine. Exercise, eat healthy, and keep to a daily routine as much as possible.
Show kindness to others in your community. This is very stressful for many people, especially those who are vulnerable and families who may be struggling already with poverty or other family stressors. It is also very stressful for health care workers and their families. Helping others increases your sense of purpose and value, improving your own well-being. It’s not just family and friends who require support, but others in your community.
Parents may be seeing additional stress coming out in children as the pandemic continues. Please see this infographic, developed by the World Health Organization, “Helping children cope with stress during the 2019-nCoV outbreak”.
Mental Wellbeing Tip of the Day:
Look for ways to grow: Reflect on ways in which you are growing as a result of this struggle. Perhaps you are getting more quality time with your children or learning just how adaptable you are in the face of stress. Acknowledge and name these areas of personal growth.
Carlton County Updates:
The License Bureau is now processing Motor Vehicle and Driver’s License transactions via appointment (no walk-ins). Find out more, and book an appointment here.
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:
- StaySafeMN Order and Safely Reopening Minnesota
- (State) Minnesota Department of Health
- (National) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- (International) World Health Organization