Coronavirus Updates
Hospitals prepared for COVID-19 surge
Health officials urge public to follow precautions and to celebrate safely By Anna Jauhola Hospitals in the northwest corner of Minnesota are working together and are prepared to handle COVID-19 patients, according to officials. Kittson Healthcare in Hallock is a member of the Northwest Regional Emergency Preparedness Group, which comprises all hospitals in the northwest…
Read MoreAs Hospitals Express Capacity Concerns, Governor Walz Announces New COVID-19 Restrictions
[ST. PAUL, MN] – As hospitals express concern about capacity to treat Minnesotans with COVID-19, Governor Tim Walz today announced new restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the virus in Minnesota. Beginning on Friday, the restrictions will apply to social gatherings, celebrations and receptions, and bars and restaurants, which are three of the most…
Read MoreCases up, schools still in house, public urged to be careful
By Anna Jauhola As positive COVID-19 cases rise in Kittson County, school and health officials are working to ensure public safety. As of Monday afternoon, Oct. 26, Kittson County’s total case count was 51, and active cases had increased to 25, according to Kittson County Public Health. Superintendents at Kittson Central and Lancaster schools continue…
Read MorePilot COVID-19 saliva at-home test includes Kittson County
Minnesota Department of Health announced Thursday, Oct. 22, a pilot of the COVID-19 Test at Home saliva program. Minnesotans in two dozen counties or tribal nations will be able to order a saliva test online, to perform in the comfort of their own home. These tests are available in select service areas free of charge…
Read MoreGet tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms
By Andrea Swenson, RN, director of clinic nursing and patient safety As expected, in response to an increase in positive COVID-19 cases and exposures in the area, we are beginning to see an increase in testing for COVID-19 as well. We wanted to provide some information so the public is aware about the scenarios when…
Read MoreFirst COVID-19 case reported at area school
By Anna Jauhola Just before MEA weekend, Lancaster School reported its first positive COVID-19 case in a high school student. Superintendent Shannon Hunstad said, for privacy reasons, they are not releasing the name of the student. However, the student and a handful of close contacts were put in isolation and quarantine immediately starting Wednesday, Oct.…
Read MoreSBA offers disaster assistance for impacted small businesses
ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Minnesota small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza announced last week. SBA acted under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Pre-paredness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act…
Read MoreGovernor Walz Issues Stay at Home Order for Minnesotans
[ST. PAUL, MN] – To slow the spread of COVID-19 across the state, Governor Tim Walz today signed Executive Order 20-20 directing Minnesotans to stay at home and limit movements outside of their home beyond essential needs. This order takes effect at 11:59pm on Friday, March 27 and ends at 5:00pm on Friday, April…
Read MoreStatement From U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement regarding her husband John: “I have news that many Americans are facing right now: my husband John has the coronavirus. We just got the test results at 7 a.m. this morning. While I cannot see him and he is of course cut off…
Read MoreHallock Council approves emergency declaration
By Anna Jauhola The City of Hallock declared a state of emergency in an emergency meeting on Friday, March 20. The city council met at the city hall in the basement and spaced more than 6 feet from each other. Councilor Kevin Waller attended and voted by phone, which is allowed in emergency instances. City…
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