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. Currently we are in phase 1a, which includes healthcare personnel and long-term care residents, and it is split into three priority groups.

Phase 1a Priority 3
If you are in phase 1a Priority 3, your opportunity to receive a COVID-19 vaccination is approaching.
Health Care Personnel (HCP) in Phase 1a Priority 3 include: All remaining HCP not included in the first and second priority groups that are unable to telework. This includes, but is not limited to: HCP that work in hospitals, ambulatory and outpatient settings, home health settings, emergency shelters, Long Term Care Facilities (LTCF) (assisted living facilities/housing with services with an arranged Home Care Provider), dental offices, pharmacies, public health clinics, mental/behavioral health settings, correctional settings, and group homes.

If you are included in Phase 1a Priority 3, please contact Isanti County Public Health (763-689-4071) to get on our notification list, and you will be contacted when you are able to make a COVID-19 vaccination appointment.

 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.