Minnesota health officials confirm case of COVID-19 in Carlton County
Carlton County officials were notified on Monday evening, March 30th, of a lab-confirmed positive COVID-19 case of an inmate at the Moose Lake Correctional Facility. Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is working with the facility for investigation of the case (individuals who may have come into close contact with the person, etc.) and Carlton County is working with MDH. Further information will be provided to anyone connected to the case by MDH.
According to the Department of Corrections (DOC) press release, the individual is “experiencing mild symptoms and does not require hospitalization.” All in-person visiting at all MN Correctional facilities has been suspended until further notice.
The DOC website, shares that they are following the MDH guidelines for monitoring, isolation/quarantine, and testing of the people incarcerated in their facilities. If an incarcerated person exhibits symptoms consistent with COVID-19, they follow MDH guidance for how their health care and other staff use PPE and interact with those individuals, how to isolate and quarantine them, and how to protect the health of everyone involved.
Carlton County Board Chair, Marv Bodie is “hoping for the best in recovery and safest outcomes for all those who live and work in the facility”, and went on to say “Our local public health and human services staff, with community partners, have been preparing for this for many weeks, and will be continuing to follow the most accurate and up to date guidance from MDH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as they plan for additional cases locally. Carlton County has a very strong Public Health department, and I am confident in their response to care for our residents during these uncertain times.”
As a reminder, a majority of positive COVID-19 cases are mild, and individuals have recovered at home. Testing is NOT required if an individual can manage symptoms at home. If symptoms become worse, call your healthcare provider.
The most important recommendations are:
- Continue to follow the Governor’s Executive #stayathomeMN Executive Order
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow
- Avoid touching your face or mouth
- Take care of your physical health and mental well-being
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 (7am-7pm): 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903. Recommended websites for more information about the current situation are:
- (State) Minnesota Department of Health - MDH: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
- (National) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- (International) World Health Organization - WHO: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019