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…
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.…
By Anna Jauhola Kittson County has more cases of COVID-19, including one employee at Kittson Healthcare in Hallock. As of Monday, Oct. 12, Kittson County’s active COVID cases numbered at 5, with 17 total cases since April. Public Health Director Cindy Urbaniak said Kittson Healthcare tested two people from the public and one employee at…
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…
[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…
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…
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…
By Anna Jauhola The Kittson County Board of Commissioners declared a state of emergency at an emergency meeting on Friday, March 20 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The commissioners called into the meeting via a digital service called GoToMeeting, which is allowed for public meetings during an emergency. Alongside the emergency declaration, the commission…
UPDate as of 4/1/20 Sjostrand Agency: Lobby is closed, staff is on site and available by phone 218-843-3350 or call Steve, cell 218-843-1481 or Dan, cell 218-843-1387. Area businesses and entities are affected just as much as the rest of the state as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. This list will be updated as we receive…
Minnesota State Parks and Trails remain open to the public. We are closely monitoring the situation related to COVID-19 and adjusting our operations as conditions change. We recognize the importance of nature in helping to relieve stress during this time and are committed to providing a safe environment for our visitors to enjoy, while ensuring…
As the COVID-19 virus unfolds in Minnesota, there are several resources that individuals can use to stay up to date on the latest information: MDH’s COVID-19 page: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html MDH’s COVID-19 prevention tips: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/prevention.html MDH’s COVID-19 Situation Update: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/situation.html Mayo Clinic’s COVID-19 page: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/symptoms-causes/syc-20479963 CDC COVID-19 page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html CDC COVID-19…
Commission sets instructions for employees during COVID-19 By Anna Jauhola The Kittson County Board of Commissioners is erring on the side of safety and made a strong decision Tuesday, March 17 to keep two county employees at home, with pay. This was the main decision of the board’s initial discussions regarding pandemic planning. The two employees…
By Anna Jauhola Both nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Kittson County are now closed to visitors due to the coronavirus outbreak reaching Minnesota and nearby states. Kittson Healthcare announced restricted visitation to its residents’ families Thursday, March 12. Cindy Urbaniak, nursing home administrator, said as the coronavirus – known as COVID-19 – has reached…