Carlton County COVID-19 update 5/21/20
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 18,200 lab-confirmed cases on MDH’s website, 566 are currently hospitalized and 12,488 no longer need isolation. Please visit the MN Department of Corrections website for more cases specific to those who are incarcerated.
Governor Walz announced the next phase of the COVID-19 response in Minnesota. Beginning May 18, non-critical businesses, like retail stores and main street businesses, can reopen if they have a social distancing plan and operate at 50% capacity. Also, starting May 18, Minnesotans are welcome to gather with friends and family in groups of 10 or less with safe social distancing practices in place. Please see 5/20 announcement on the reopening of salons and outdoor dining in the Governor’s press release here and guidance documents for safely returning to work from DEED here.
As we take cautious steps forward, it is more important than ever that we protect those most at risk, support workers, and all do our part to slow the spread of the virus. We continue to encourage Minnesotans to:
- Wash your hands often
- Get tested when sick
- Maintain social distance
- Wear a mask
- Stay home when able
Please visit Minnesota’s COVID-19 Response website for more resources regarding “Stay Safe MN”:
- Newspaper Ads
- Social Media
- Governor’s Updates
- Data Dashboard
- Resources for businesses and organizations
Please visit MDH’s website for updates on guidance related to the following settings (PDF’s):
- Faith-based communities
- Vehicle gatherings/parades
- Building managers in congregate & high-rise housing
- Employees and residents of Licensed Group Homes
- COVID-19 Toolkit for Long-term Care Facilities
- Social distancing in youth and student programs
Additional Health Recommendations:
MDH reminds anyone with symptoms can and should get tested. Also, please stay at home before/after until you get test results. Find testing locations here.
MDH, in collaboration with tpt, has created on this video about mental health in a crisis. Please watch and share with contacts!
Whether you’re a Veteran or care about a Veteran; whether this is the first time or just the most recent time you’ve looked into mental health support, it doesn’t matter. Everyone’s journey starts somewhere. Now is the time. Check out more information and resources here and see below for six easy ways to support Veterans and those at risk during social isolation through COVID-19:
This pandemic is forcing us to change our lives in ways we never imagined. Supporting and caring for one another is more important than ever, and people are doing that in new ways. Blue Cross Blue Shield put on a special episode on coping and mental health in the times of COVID-19. Find the 20 minute coverage here.
Mental Wellbeing Tip of the Day:
Cultivate healthy thoughts: Practice gratitude! Each day spend a few minutes intentionally stopping and thinking about how much you have to be thankful for from the day.
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 (Weekdays 8am-6pm and Weekends 8am-4pm): 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