Strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19

By Cindy Urbaniak, Public Health Director at Kittson Healthcare
On Friday, March 13, Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) released strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
To protect the public’s health and especially our most vulnerable population, our older population, MDH recommends the following guidance be implemented immediately and remain in effect until further notice.
MDH recommends postponing or canceling:
• Large events where 250 people or more would gather. This includes concerts; conferences; professional, college or school performances
• Smaller events (fewer than 250 people) that are held in venues that do not allow for social distancing of 6 feet per person.
• Gatherings in crowded auditoriums, rooms or other venues
• Events with more than 10 people where the majority of participants are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, including gatherings at retirement facilities, assisted living facilities, developmental homes, support groups for people with health conditions.
Individuals and Families at home
What can you do to prepare, if you or a family member gets ill or our community experiences spread of COVID-19.
• Monitor local information about COVID-19 in your community.
• Practice personal protective measures – wash your hands, disinfect surfaces, keep social distancing (6 feet space apart).
• Individuals with underlying health conditions should stay home and avoid gatherings, travel and other potential exposures.
The public need to continue to follow the following self-care practices:
• WASH HANDS for at least 20 seconds with soap, water and friction frequently. Stay home if you are sick; cover your cough, do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth without washing your hands.
• Social distancing – keep 6 feet of space between you and others when in public settings.
• Avoid large crowds of people.
• If you are feeling ill – fever, cough, sore throat – we ask that you stay home and self-care. Use fever reducing medication, rest and use over the counter medication for symptoms.
If you are experiencing respiratory distress, please seek medical care. If you are coming to the hospital or the medical clinic, we ask that you call ahead for guidance. At this time, the safest place for you to be is home!