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Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Wright County Hotline: 763-682-7607
Wright County COVID-19 Situation Update
Updated weekdays by 1:00 p.m.
- Total positive cases: 231
- Cases who no longer need to be isolated: 47
- Deaths: 1*
- * Upon investigation it was determined that the address for an individual whose death was reported on May 22 was incorrect. A correction to the records has been made. We are saddened by any loss of life due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Last updated: May 23, 2020
The Minnesota Department of Health provides daily updates on cases in Wright County and across Minnesota. Given testing limitations, the actual case number is expected to be much higher.
Public Health is not authorized by the State of Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner to share any private data on COVID-19 cases beyond county and age-range. Such sharing would potentially be a violation of the Minnesota Government Data Privacy Act, Minnesota Statute. Ch. 13.
Public Health is not authorized by the State of Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner to share any private data on COVID-19 cases beyond county and age-range. Such sharing would potentially be a violation of the Minnesota Government Data Privacy Act, Minnesota Statute. Ch. 13.
Viruses don't discriminate, and neither should we. Stigma will not fight the virus but sharing accurate information will.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Diseases from coronaviruses typically cause mild to moderate illness, like the common cold. Others, like SARS, MERS and COVID-19, cause serious infections like pneumonia. There is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Patients with confirmed COVID-19 typically have mild to severe respiratory illness. The following symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
- Loss of taste or smell
- Less common symptoms: nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Prevention
The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to take the same precautions recommended for avoiding colds and flu.
- Wash hands often with soap and water
- Avoid touching face, eyes, nose, and mouth
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- Stay home when sick
- Avoid contact with others when sick
- Cover mouth and nose with tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing
- Wear a cloth face covering in public settings
Who is at higher risk?
Those at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should stay at home and avoid gatherings or other situations of potential exposures, including travel. The individuals at highest risk include:
- People who are 70 years of age and older
- People of any age with underlying health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, lung disease (including asthma and COPD), blood disorders, kidney disease, liver disease, endocrine or metabolic disorders, neurological conditions, and those with a compromised immune system
Stay Safe, Minnesota
Executive Order 20-56 from Governor Walz
Minnesota is slowly moving the dial and introducing more interaction between people over time. As Minnesota takes cautious steps forward, it is more important than ever that we protect those most at risk, support workers, and all do our part to slow the spread of the virus. Governor Walz continues to encourage Minnesotans to:
- Wash your hands often
- Get tested when sick
- Maintain social distance
- Wear a mask
- Stay home when able
Also, please pay attention to your mental health. This is a stressful time and help is available. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and you can find resources on the Mental Health Support page from the Governor's Office.
Beginning May 18, non-critical businesses, like retail stores and main street businesses, can reopen if they have a social distancing plan and operate at 50 percent capacity. Additionally, the Walz-Flanagan Administration is assembling guidance on how to safely reopen bars, restaurants, barbershops, and salons beginning June 1. Watch for more updates from the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development about what this means for business.
Also, starting May 18, Minnesotans are welcome to gather with friends and family in groups of 10 or less with safe social distancing practices in place.
Strategies to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
Flatten the Curve
The ideal goal in fighting an epidemic or pandemic is to halt the spread, but slowing it through mitigation is critical. Efforts such as social distancing and avoiding large events keep people farther apart, making every transmission opportunity less likely. This reduces the number of cases that are active at any given time, which in turn gives the healthcare system time to prepare and respond, without becoming overwhelmed.To protect the public's health and slow the rate of transmission of COVID-19, events as described below should be postponed or canceled across the state of Minnesota until further notice. The following is intended to provide general guidance for mitigation strategies. Organizers or settings may need to take into consideration unique risks and make decisions that are protective of their communities.
MDH recommends postponing or canceling:
- Events where 50 people or more would gather, including but not limited to: concerts; conferences; professional, college, and school performances or sporting events.
- 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, including gatherings such as those at retirement facilities, assisted living facilities, developmental homes, and support groups for people with health conditions.
Call your doctor: If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and other COVID-19 symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider immediately.
Stay home except to get medical care
People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
Separate yourself from other people in your home
As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
Call ahead before visiting your doctor
If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in a lined trash can. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Clean your hands often
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
Avoid sharing personal household items
You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday
High touch surfaces include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables. Also, clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them.
Monitor your symptoms
Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening. Before seeking care, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you have, or are being evaluated for, COVID-19. If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19.
When to discontinue home isolation
Patients with a positive COVID-29 test or undiagnosed fever and/or acute respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) should self-quarantine until all of the following are true:
- 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared
- No fever for at least 72 hours (without the use of medication that reduces fevers)
- Other symptoms (such as cough or shortness of breath) have improved
News Releases
FAQ: Getting Tested for COVID-19 - 5/18
COVID-19 Cluster Identified in a Wright County Business - 5/13
Un grupo de personas son identificadas en un negocio del Condado de Wright con COVID-19 - 13 de Mayo
Increased Testing. Identifying Cases and Tracing Contacts. Isolating Patients. - 5/8/2020
Las pruebas aumentan. Estamos identficando casos y dándoles seguimiento. Aislamiento de pacientes. - 8 de Mayo
Governor Extends Stay at Home Order till May 18 - 5/1
El gobernador extiende la orden de estadía en el hogar hasta el 18 de Mayo - Primero de Mayo
Returning Home from Your Winter Residence? - 4/13
Health Officials Confirm First Wright County Death due to COVID-19 - 4/11
Mental Wellness During COVID-19 Pandemic - 4/3
Bienestar mental durante la pandemia de COVID-19 - 3 de Abril
Looking to Help During COVID-19 Outbreak? - 3/27
Wright County Resources During COVID-19 Outbreak - 3/25
Importance of Social Distancing - 3/20
Update: First Case of COVID-19 in Wright County - 3/13
Coronavirus - Now is the Time to Prepare - 2/28
2019-nCoV or Coronavirus - 2/14
Resources
Preparing for Isolation and Quarantine | Preparación para Aislamiento y Cuarentena
For the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 (2019-nCoV or Coronavirus), please visit the following state, national, and international health organizations:
- Minnesota Department of Health - COVID-19
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - COVID-19
- World Health Organization Situation Dashboard