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. In addition, ICPH is working with local partners to coordinate ongoing prevention and response efforts. On Tuesday, March 16 Isanti County Public Health fully activated its Department Operations Center.

State of Minnesota Emergency Executive Order Directing Minnesotans to Stay at Home

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, both open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

  • Health questions: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903
  • Community mitigation questions (schools, child care, business): 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504

Symptoms

According to CDC, patients with confirmed COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:

  • fever
  • cough
  • shortness of breath

Some patients have had other symptoms including muscle aches, headache, sore throat, or diarrhea.

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.

For more information, visit https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/basics.html

The best practices right now to avoid Coronavirus:

  • 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
  • Practice social distancing (staying 6 feet apart from others)
  • 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
  • The CDC does not recommend the use of masks for those who are not sick. “A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms”, and “health workers and other people who are taking care of someone infected with COVID-19 in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).”
  • Follow travel restrictions or recommendations from CDC Travel Warnings https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
  • People who are 70 and older, or people of any age who have underlying health conditions that put them at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, should stay at home and avoid gatherings or other situations of potential exposures, including travel.
  • MDH and CDC recommends postponing and canceling until further notice:
    • Events where 50 people or more would gather.
    • Smaller events (fewer than 50 people) that are held in crowded auditoriums, rooms, or other venues that do not allow social distancing of 6 feet per person.
    • Events with more than 10 people where the majority of participants are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
    • Events of any size should only be continued if they can be carried out with adherence to guidelines for protecting vulnerable populations, hand hygiene, and social distancing. When feasible, organizers could modify events to be virtual.

Put personal preparedness strategies in place for you and your family. Information can be found at:

Resources from the CDC and the Minnesota Department of Health: