Carlton County COVID-19 update 7/15/20
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 43,742 lab-confirmed cases on MDH’s website, 254 are currently hospitalized and 38,179 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: 9am-4pm.
Check Your Cabinets for Toxic Hand Sanitizers! The FDA has discovered some have a harmful chemical in them, which can be toxic if absorbed by your skin. If you have one of these products, do not use it.
- All-Clean Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-002-01)
- Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-007-01)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-008-04)
- Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-006-01)
- The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-010-10)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-005-03)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-009-01)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-003-01)
- Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-001-01)
For more information, see FDA advises consumers not to use hand sanitizer products manufactured by Eskbiochem.
As the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) works closely with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to plan for the 2020-21 school year, MDE conducted an informal survey of Minnesota families about their distance learning experiences. The survey received an overwhelming response from the community. Between June 15 and July 6, MDE collected more than 130,000 completed responses in English, Hmong, Somali and Spanish. The survey asked a series of questions about parents’ experiences with distance learning in the spring of 2020 and their hopes for the 2020-21 school year. The graphics and data outlined include information from all respondents and information sorted by self-reported race and ethnicity data. Find the results here.
Additional Health Recommendations:
Many of the same communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19 are also disproportionately affected by commercial tobacco. Smoking and vaping can compromise the immune system, which makes people at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. For decades, the tobacco industry has targeted children, communities of color, and people who are stressed and struggling. This can lead to addiction and lifelong health conditions that make people more susceptible to a long list of illnesses, including COVID-19. Find out more here, including QuitPartner and the American Indian Quitline if you are ready to quit.
Visitor restrictions at long-term care facilities have helped us manage the spread of COVID-19, but we know that social isolation has had unintended consequences on health and well-being. Long-term care facilities in Minnesota can now develop plans to let essential caregivers visit with residents’ in-person. Essential caregivers could be a family member or close outside caregiver who has supported the resident. These people play a critical role in the care and support of residents. View the new guidance here.
People with disabilities may have underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of COVID-19 and COVID-19-related complications or may have particular concerns. Check out MDH’s webpage with resources to address those concerns, including answers to frequently asked questions. Also check out Disability Hub MN for more coronavirus resources.
Mental Wellbeing Tip of the Day:
Go off the grid. Leave your smart phone at home for a day and disconnect from constant emails, alerts, and other interruptions. Spend time doing something fun with someone face-to-face while socially distancing.
Carlton County Updates:
Primary Election Voting Information: All Carlton County residents are encouraged to vote by absentee ballot, in order to reduce the amount of public visiting polling locations. Mail ballot precincts will automatically be mailed ballots – visit the Polling Place Finder to tell if you are in a mail ballot precinct. Please visit www.mnvotes.org for more information on registration and obtaining an absentee ballot. If residents will be visiting a polling location, please wear a face covering. Polling locations will be following CDC’s Considerations for Election Polling Locations and Voters , as well as recommendations put in place by the Secretary of State (reviewed and approved by MDH). This will include practicing social distancing, availability of hand sanitizer, and regular cleaning procedures, as well as specific direction for the election judges. Please watch Carlton County’s website for additional guidance.
Continue to visit the COVID-19 Hub on Carlton County’s website to find local resources and information!
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