Coronavirus (COVID-19)

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus that has not been found in people before. It is not the same coronavirus that caused Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 or Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS_CoV) in 2012, however, it is in the same family of virus.

Isanti County Public Health (ICPH) is communicating frequently with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and monitoring Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) communications to maintain situational awareness. The Isanti County Public Health Department Operations Center (DOC) is working with local partners to coordinate ongoing prevention and response efforts.

Minnesota's Stay Safe Plan-Adjusting the Dials

COVID-19 Vaccine Updates

COVID-19 vaccination in MN is a multiphase approach, as determined and directed by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Multiple entities, including hospitals, pharmacies, and local public health are responsible for COVID-19 vaccine administration. 

Isanti County Public Health continues to receive limited doses of COVID-19 vaccine from the Minnesota Department of Health. Currently we are vaccinating those 65 and older. We get notified at the end of each week how many doses we will be receiving, so we can only plan for clinics a few days in advance. 

How can I learn when Isanti County Public Health has COVID-19 vaccination appointments available?

  • We will continue to share updates on the vaccination process through social media (https://www.facebook.com/IsantiCountyPublicHealth), press releases, KBEK radio, and the Isanti County website (https://www.co.isanti.mn.us/).        
  • Isanti County Public Health is compiling a wait list for those 65 years and older. Call (763-689-4071) or email (ICPH@co.isanti.mn.us) with your first and last name, phone number, email address, and date of birth.
  • The Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector is a tool that helps you find out when, where, and how to get a COVID-19 vaccine. After you fill out a simple form, the Vaccine Connector will: alert you when you are eligible to receive a vaccine; connect you to resources to schedule a vaccine appointment; and notify you if there are vaccine opportunities in your area. https://vaccineconnector.mn.gov/ If you don’t have access to internet, you can call the Community Vaccination Program Hotline at 833-431-2053 to sign up for the Vaccine Connector. 


 What will the COVID-19 vaccination clinics look like for Isanti County residents and workers?

  • Where will the clinics be held?
    • Most clinics will be held at the Isanti County Government Center, the Isanti County Sheriff’s Department, a local school, or the Braham Event Center. 
  • When will the clinics be held?
    • Typically, the large clinics will be held on Fridays, to ensure we receive the vaccine from the Minnesota Department of Health in time.
  • What kind of COVID-19 vaccine will I receive from Isanti County Public Health?
    • Isanti County Public Health receives the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. 
  • If I get scheduled for my first COVID-19 vaccine when will by second vaccine be given?
    • If you receive the Moderna vaccine, your second vaccine will be given 28 days later. If you receive the Pfizer vaccine, your second vaccine will be given 21 days later.
  • How old do you need to be to get a vaccine?
    • The Moderna vaccine can only be given to those 18 and older. The Pfizer vaccine can be given to those 16 and older (those under 18 must have parental consent to receive a vaccine). 
  • Do you offer walk-in appointments?
    • We do not accept walk-ins. COVID-19 vaccines are only given to those who have an appointment.
  • How will I sign up for an appointment when I am eligible?
    • You will sign up for an appointment through PrepMod, an online registration system. You will need a device (phone, tablet, or computer) with an internet connection, a phone number, and an email. 
  • What if I don’t have those things?
    • Check with your friends or family members to see if they can help with registering you, and/or use their email to register. 
    • You can also register by calling Isanti County Public Health, 763-689-4071. 

 

Low-cost transportation is available

Starting March 1, Arrowhead Transit will be the new transit provider for Isanti County. To schedule a ride, call 800-862-0175, option 12, For more information, visit https://arrowheadtransit.com/county-schedules/isanti-county/. 

 

Healthcare providers are providing COVID-19 vaccinations, as well

 

Until everyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccine gets a vaccine, it is important for all of us to continue to do our part to control the spread of COVID-19: wear a mask, wash your hands often, stay at least 6 feet from those outside your household, get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, and stay home when you are sick. 

 For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, visit https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/vaccine/basics.html

To access the most up to date information on Coronavirus, including cases and travel information, please visit the following websites:

There are two hotlines for COVID-19 questions from the public.

  • MN Helpline: 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504, Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Isanti County Public Health: For local questions, 763-689-4071, Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Symptoms

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, symptoms of COVID-19 can include: 

  • fever 
  • cough
  • shortness of breath
  • chills
  • headache
  • muscle pain
  • sore throat
  • fatigue 
  • congestion
  • loss of taste or smell
  • Other less common symptoms include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Testing

Isolation and Quarantine: What's the difference?

  • Isolation - Keeps someone who is infected with the virus away from others, even in their home.
  • Quarantine - keeps someone who might have been exposed to the virus away from others.

Ottertail County has created a calculator tool to determine when you can end your isolation or quarantine depending on your situation. https://ottertailcountymn.us/content-page/covid-19-health-information/covid19-calculator/

flyer which asks How long do I need to quarantine?

Best practices right now to avoid COVID-19:

  • Wear a face covering in all indoor businesses and public indoor spaces, unless you are alone
  • Stay home as much as possible, stay at least 6 feet from other people if you are in public, and avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Do not gather with anyone outside your household
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
  • Stay home when you are sick
  • Cover your cough and sneeze, preferably with a barrier like a tissue or the sleeve of your shirt
  • If you are 65 and older or have certain underlying medical conditions, stay at home and avoid situations where you could be exposed, including travel
  • Wipe down shared work spaces and commonly touched items with a disinfectant
  • Stay informed from a credible source such as CDC, MDH, ICPH, and healthcare

Safety Tip Videos:

Resources:

Resources from the CDC and the Minnesota Department of Health:

Donations

Donations of personal protective equipment (PPE) and monetary donations are now being accepted by Isanti County. Contact Chad Struss (763-689-1644 or chad.struss@co.isanti.mn.us) for more information about current needs and the donation process.

Volunteers 

Isanti County Public Health is recruiting volunteers through the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). MRC volunteers include medical and public health professionals, as well as other community members without healthcare backgrounds. They help Isanti County prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. MRC volunteers receive training in public health and emergency response. To volunteer with Isanti County, apply online https://www.mnresponds.org/agreement.php.