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

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.  

Those 5 and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

How can I learn about upcoming COVID-19 vaccine clinics?

COVID-19 vaccines are offered at the Isanti County Government Center (555 18^thAve SW, Cambridge) or at an announced designated location.  To find a clinic and register, visit https://prepmod.health.state.mn.us/appointment/en/clinic/search (Tip: enter your zip code and select a radius—5 miles-- for “search within”) you do not have to complete any other fields.

Or you can call Isanti County Public Health for the clinic schedule. 

Walk-ins are accepted at vaccine clinics.  If you have questions or need assistance registering, call Isanti County Public Health, 763-689-1711.

How can I sign up for an appointment?

You can sign up for an appointment through PrepMod, an online registration system https://prepmod.health.state.mn.us/appointment/en/clinic/search. 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, 763-689-1711.

Frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccination clinics

What kind of COVID-19 vaccine will I receive from Isanti County Public Health?

Isanti County Public Health will always have Moderna vaccine available but may occasionally have Pfizer or Johnson and Johnson available. 

Low-cost transportation is available

Arrowhead Transit is the 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/. 

 How do I stay up to date with the Covid-19 immunizations?

Follow this link https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html

Healthcare providers and Pharmacies are providing COVID-19 vaccinations, as well

MN Vaccine Locator Map: https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/find-vaccine/locations/index.jsp 

For information on Allina Health, visit https://www.allinahealth.org/coronavirus-covid-19/vaccines. 

For information on M Health Fairview, visit https://mhealthfairview.org/covid19/covid19-vaccine. 

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:

MN Department of Health

Center for Disease Prevention and Control

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

MN COVID-19 Public Hotline: For questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, call 1-833-431-2053 Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Isanti County Public Health: For local questions, 763-689-1711, Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Mental Health Crisis Line - Call: **CRISIS (**274747)

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 or runny nose, or loss of taste or smell. Other less common symptoms include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Testing

People who have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19 should get tested. 

At home saliva tests are available to all Minnesotans at no cost. Visit https://learn.vaulthealth.com/state-of-minnesota/ to get a COVID-19 saliva test. 

You can also purchase a test kit from local pharmacies, but availability may be limited, at times.

To find an in-person testing location near you, visit https://mn.gov/covid19/get-tested/testing-locations/index.jsp 

Contact your health care provider before going to the clinic or emergency room if your symptoms worsen at any point or you feel you need to see a doctor.

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/

Best practices right now to avoid COVID-19:

• Get vaccinated. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is one of the best things you can get to prevent getting or spreading COVID-19. Those 5 and older are currently eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Everyone age 12 and older should get a booster shot when they are due.
• Wear a mask in specific settings or situations https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/facecover.html 
• Follow guidance on staying home (quarantine) if you were exposed to someone who has COVID-19. People who are fully vaccinated may not need to quarantine in many situations. 
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• 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.
• 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:

• How to put on and take off a mask
• Tips for cloth face masks
• Gloves and cross contamination
• The correct way to put on and take off gloves

Resources:

• Covid-19 Behavioral Health Support Resources (PDF)
• Covid-19 Self Care Tips (PDF)
• Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19
• Personal and Family Preparedness
• Pandemic Preparedness
• Social Security Administration 

Resources from the CDC and the Minnesota Department of Health:

• Minnesota Department of Health: Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
• Easy Access to Your and Your Family’s Immunization Records
• Region 7E Pocket Mental Health Resource Guide (PDF)
• Social Distancing Poster

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.