COVID-19

The term “coronavirus” refers to a large group of viruses known to affect birds and mammals, including humans. Coronovirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. So far there is no evidence that it can spread to pets.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. Remember light switches and cell phones too.

Public Health's core functions during this time are communication, advocacy, education and ensuring needs are met. Risk communication is a core public health intervention in any disease outreach or health emergency. It refers to the exchange of information, advice and opinions between experts, officials and people who face the concerns to their well-being, to enable informed decision-making. Public Health is continually monitoring the quickly changing landscape of the pandemic to best educate our communities, our businesses and organizations. We attempt to quickly identify gaps in services and collaborate to consider how best to meet those needs.

• Stay home from work and school. Stay away from other public places. If you must go out, avoid any kind of public transportation or ride sharing. Household members should also stay home and monitor for symptoms.
• Monitor you symptoms carefully. If your symptoms get worse, call your healthcare provider.
• Get rest and stay hydrated
• If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider ahead of time and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19.
• For medical emergencies, call 911 and notify dispatch that you have or may have COVID-19.
• Cover your cough and sneezes
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available. If you need to be around other people in or outside of the home, wear a facemask.
• Avoid sharing personal items with other people in your household, like dishes, towels, or bedding.
• Clean all surfaces that are touched often, like counters, tabletops, and doorknobs. Use household cleaning sprays or wipes according to the label instructions

If you have confirmed COVID-19 or are symptomatic but do not seek testing, you must isolate at home until all three of the following are true:

• It has been at least 10 days since you first began feeling sick (symptom onset)
AND
• Your cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms have improved
AND
• You are fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of medication that reduces fever.

If your COVID-19 test is negative, you may return to normal activity once you are feeling better and you are fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of medication that reduces fever.

As of July 25, 2020, per the Governor’s Executive Order, people in Minnesota are required to wear a face covering in all indoor businesses and public indoor spaces, unless alone. Wear masks with two or more layers to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Other face coverings that are thinner, single-layer of fabric, or are made of paper should only be used if nothing else is available. Types of face coverings can include a paper or disposable mask, a cloth mask, a neck gaiter, a scarf, a bandanna, or a religious face covering. Masks should cover your nose and mouth completely. It should not be overly tight or restrictive and should feel comfortable to wear. Do not wear a mask with a valve because it allows droplets to be released from the mask.

Riverwood Healthcare Center is testing all symptomatic individuals and asymptomatic individuals that request to be tested. Testing is available at the Aitkin and McGregor clinics by appointment. Call 218-927-2157 to schedule. For COVID specific information, you can call the Riverwood COVID hotline at 218-927-1323.