Press Release On First Covid 19 Cases in Freeborn County
First Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in Freeborn County
Freeborn County Public Health was notified on March 31, 2020 by the Minnesota Department of Health of two lab confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Freeborn County.
The first case is a person in their 50s who is recovering at home. The second case is a person in their 70s. No other information is available on this case at this time.
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) staff will be working with Freeborn County Public Health staff on follow-up. Cases are isolated to prevent disease spread and a contact investigation is completed to identify close contacts. Close contacts are quarantined for 14 days from their exposure and will monitor for fever and respiratory symptoms.
As of 11:00 am on April 1, 2020, Minnesota had 689 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with cases indicative of community transmission.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Governor Walz has implemented “Stay Home MN” to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota. This is for the health and safety of everyone. The goal is that this will help slow the spread of infectious disease and place less demand on the health care sector so the most seriously ill people get the supportive care they need.
Public Health officials are recommending anyone 65 years and older, and those with underlying health conditions stay home as much possible, and avoid gatherings and other instances of potential exposures, including travel.
Current recommendation is that if you are sick with respiratory symptoms or fever, stay at home for 7 days after onset of symptoms, or 72 hours after resolution of the fever, whichever is longer.
For COVID-19 testing patients must call their provider to be assessed. They will be directed to the next step that is appropriate for their symptoms. If a person has a sudden change in their health such as sudden onset of chest pain, difficulty breathing, etc., call 911.
Statewide COVID-19 hotlines have been created that are open 7a.m. to 7p.m. Health questions:
651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903
Schools and child care questions: 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504
Reminders of what you can do:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- If you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Stay home when you are sick
- Avoid crowds and maintain social distancing of 6 feet
Stay informed
- The most up to date information about COVID-19 can be found on the MDH and CDC websites:
CDC website on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19):
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Minnesota Department of Health – Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19):
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
CONTACTS:
Sue Yost, Freeborn County Public Health Director (507)391-0563
Anita Majerus, Freeborn County Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
Rich Hall, Freeborn County Emergency Manager
Tom Jensen, Freeborn County Administrator
