Carlton County COVID-19 update 6/3/20
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 25,870 lab-confirmed cases on MDH’s website, 537 are currently hospitalized and 21,169 no longer need isolation. Please visit the MN Department of Corrections website for more cases specific to those who are incarcerated.
Frequently COVID-19 Testing for Large Gatherings (including those who may have participated in recent protests):
I was involved in protesting, a large gathering such as a vigil, or a neighborhood clean-up event – do I need to get tested?
If you start to feel sick, get tested right away. If you are not feeling sick, we recommend you go in for a COVID-19 test as soon as possible, but no later than 5-7 days after the event(s).
COVID-19 can spread easily and quickly in large groups of people close together for long periods of time. Thousands of people may have been exposed. Testing will improve the ability to stop the spread of the disease.
If I wore a mask, should I still get tested?
We recommend you get tested for COVID-19. A cloth mask helps prevent you from spreading the virus, but it’s not a guarantee that you were not exposed to the virus by someone else.
When do I get tested?
Get tested as soon as possible if you feel sick. If you are not sick, try to get tested within 5-7 days from the date of the event. Some people who are infected may not have symptoms. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
If feel fine, why do I need to be tested?
Some people who are infected may not have symptoms. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus, or in some cases, not at all. You could still spread COVID-19 to others.
Is the state setting up a testing stations for protest participants or people who participated in associated activities like vigils, neighborhood watch, or neighborhood clean-up?
The Minnesota Department of Health and local health providers are looking at setting up testing stations in various locations that were significantly impacted by the recent protests. More information will be available soon.
I didn’t participate in these events but was nearby while they were happening. Do I need to be tested?
Large protests, vigils, or clean-up events can become “super-spreader events.” Even though you did not participate in the event, this virus spreads via microscopic droplets, typically through the air when people cough, sneeze, sing, or talk. If you were within 6 feet of others who were participating, you are encouraged to get tested.
I have a family member who was involved in protests or related activities. Do I need to get tested?
If live with or have had direct contact with your family member, you are encouraged to get tested. Many people do not have symptoms for days but can still spread the virus to others.
I don’t have insurance or a way to pay for the test. Is it free?
Yes. Most health insurance companies in Minnesota and public health care programs like Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare have waived copays, coinsurance, and deductibles associated with these charges, making them free. If you are uninsured, medical providers can cover the cost of your testing through a variety of federally funded options for reimbursement. The State of Minnesota is covering the cost of testing for any person who is not covered by insurance or by available federal funding.
Additional Health Recommendations:
MDH is continuing to request that anyone willing/able to give blood do so, as there continues to be a blood shortage. Blood Centers are making it possible for healthy individuals to still donate and maintain social distancing. Please contact your local blood center/bank if you would like to donate, but are unsure if you would be eligible.
- Memorial Blood Centers: https://www.mbc.org/coronavirus-blood-donation/, 1-844-213-5219
- American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.html, 1-800-733-2767
Other General Testing Information:
COVID-19 testing uses a nasal swab sample to tell whether someone currently has the disease. Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested. Symptoms can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell. If you have symptoms, find a testing location here. MDH has a video about testing that can be found here.
Antibody testing may tell someone whether they have already had COVID-19. While there is a lot of interest in antibody testing, there are still many unknowns and no test has been approved by the FDA. Some tests could actually be detecting other coronaviruses, like the common cold. Talk to your doctor or learn more about antibody testing here.
Minnesota Department of Health’s recommendations on COVID-19 and When to Return to Work (PDF) can be found here.
Check on tips on safely shopping at farmer’s markets during COVID-19 here (MN Department of Agriculture)!
Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Organized Youth Sports here (MDH).
Mental Wellbeing Tip of the Day:
Look for ways to grow: Focus in others. It is easy to become overwhelmed when we are always looking at our own problems. Try focusing on the needs of others and how you can meet those needs in a tangible way.
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