Carlton County COVID-19 update 6/24/20
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 33,763 lab-confirmed cases on MDH’s website, 340 are currently hospitalized and 29,707 no longer need isolation. Please visit the MN Department of Corrections website for more cases specific to those who are incarcerated. 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.
Community Memorial Hospital and CMH Raiter Family Clinic are open and back to operating at nearly 100%, while following all necessary guidelines to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
- Patients are strongly encouraged to schedule appointments for procedures and office visits that were put on hold during the past few months. This is especially critical for anyone who may be experiencing symptoms of potentially serious health conditions, such as heart problems or stroke. It is also very important not to let routine screenings for preventative care lapse, like cancer screenings or immunizations.
- It is safe to take care of your healthcare needs. Extensive precautions have been taken to minimize any risk of covid-19. These actions include the screening of all individuals coming to the hospital and clinics. Other actions helping to raise the level of safety include the wearing of masks by staff and public, staggered appointments for office visits or procedures, seating arrangements in waiting areas to accommodate social distancing, and specialized cleaning and disinfectant on an on-going basis. Our healthcare facility has taken every precaution to ensure it is safe for our patients to return.
- If appropriate, patients today also have the option of having a Telehealth virtual visit with their physician from the convenience of their homes. In order to experience this type of visit, all that is needed is a smartphone or device with a camera and internet connection. Telehealth appointments can be scheduled for minor health issues, chronic care management, and preventative care.
Our community can be confident that Community Memorial Hospital has responded to the current crisis by following all measures that will guarantee the health and safety of patients and staff.
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) have released guidance documents to help Minnesota schools plan for the 2020-21 school year. The guidance asks school leaders to create three different contingency plans based on three possible scenarios that the virus could put us in: in-person learning for all students, hybrid learning, and distance learning. MDE promised a decision by the week of July 27 on which of the three scenarios will be used in fall 2020. MDE also wants to hear from parents about their distance learning experience as they plan for the 2020-21 school year. Parents/families can share their experience by taking this Fall Planning Survey available in English, Hmong, Somali, and Spanish.
Additional Health Recommendations:
Continue to protect yourself and your community! It is easy to become complacent to the pandemic surrounding us as the weeks continue on, and especially as our desire grows to get back to ‘normal’. It is very important to remember that we are still right in the ‘thick of it’, and the simple protection measures that have been communicated over the past few months are just as important as ever. Minnesotans have done a great job at slowing the spread, and health officials want to thank residents, with a reminder that we cannot stop now – many people’s lives still depend on our willingness to take precautions to keep our communities safe (see graphic below for recommended precautions).
View the new sports guidance and answers to frequently asked questions at Community Settings: COVID-19. The guidance seeks to balance the goals of minimizing disease transmission and allowing young people to engage in sports activities that have important physical, emotional, and social benefits. It also provides additional clarifications and recommendations for adult sports competitions this summer.
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.
The Disaster Distress Helpline (SAMHSA) is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Mental Wellbeing Tip of the Day:
Open your windows and shades. Sunlight and fresh air can go a long way in improving one’s mood. Try lighting some fresh-smelling candles as well to engage in a little aroma therapy.
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:
- StaySafeMN Order and Safely Reopening Minnesota
- (State) Minnesota Department of Health
- (National) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- (International) World Health Organization