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.  

Starting March 30, everyone 18 and older will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccines from Isanti County Public Health. You must be 18 or older, because we most commonly administer the Moderna vaccine. Those who live or work in Isanti County will be prioritized.

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

  • If you are interested in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine from Isanti County Public Health fill out the COVID-19 Vaccine Interest form. This does not guarantee a vaccine, but will allow us to contact you when you are eligible to schedule an appointment. https://www.co.isanti.mn.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=162 
  • If you don't have access to the internet or need assistance filling out the form, please contact Isanti County Public Health at 763-689-4071 or ICPH@co.isanti.mn.us for information on how to sign-up for upcoming clinics.

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 various locations throughout Isanti County. 
  • When will the clinics be held?
    • Typically, the large clinics will be held on Thursdays or 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 and Pharmacies 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 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.
  • 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/

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.