Steele Co. Public Health: Get the Facts on Coronavirus

Steele County Public Health issued a news release Tuesday urging residents to get the facts on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and ways to protect themselves. Minnesota's third presumptive case has left a person hospitalized.

The news release states, "Steele County Public Health has had a Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program for nearly two decades. Steele County Public Health has activated at partial Emergency Operations Center and are meeting on a regular basis with community partners to efficiently respond if we should have confirmed cases in our county."

"There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19; however, research is underway. The virus that causes COVID-19 is spread primarily by respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes...It can also spread when people touch surfaces that have been contaminated by an infected person and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth."

Steele County Public Health says, "Know the facts about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and help stop the spread of rumors."

1. Diseases can make anyone sick regardless of their race or ethnicity.
2. The risk of getting COVID-19 in the US is currently low.
3. Someone who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation does not pose a risk of infection to other people.
4. You can help stop COVID-19 by knowing the signs and symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath. Seek medical advice if develop symptoms AND have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.
5. There are simple things you can do to help keep yourself and others healthy. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Steele County Public Health still advises people to get a flu shot, "People are getting sick with influenza in our area and the flu shot can help protect you.

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