Fifth and sixth COVID-19 cases confirmed in Wabasha County

Wabasha County Public Health was notified on March 29, 2020 by the Minnesota Department of Health regarding a fifth and sixth lab confirmed case of COVID-19 in Wabasha County.

Limited information indicates the confirmed cases are linked to community spread.

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) staff will be working with Wabasha County Public Health staff on follow-up if needed.  Cases are isolated to prevent disease spread and a contact investigation is completed to identify close contacts. Close contacts are quarantined for 14 days from their exposure and monitor for fever and respiratory symptoms.

The health and safety of staff and the entire community continues to be priority for Wabasha County. Our Public Health Services team continues to lead the response to COVID-19 in Wabasha County, in cooperation with state and federal officials. If you would like to reach our Wabasha County Public Health Hotline you can call 651-565-8103, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Also, Statewide COVID-19 hotlines have been created that are open daily 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Health questions:  651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903  

School and child care questions: 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504

Housing questions: For single-family residences:  651-296-8215 For multi-family residences:  651-297-4455

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Governor Walz  “Stay Home MN” is still in place. This is for the health and safety of everyone.  The goal is that this will help slow the spread of infectious disease and place less demand on the health care sector so the most seriously ill people get the supportive care they need.
Public Health officials are recommending anyone 65 years and older, and those with underlying health conditions stay home as much possible, and avoid gatherings and other instances of potential exposures, including travel.

Current recommendation is that if you are sick with respiratory symptoms or fever, stay at home for seven days after illness onset, or 72 hours after resolution of the fever, whichever is longer.

For COVID-19 testing patients must call their provider to be assessed. They will be directed to the next step that is appropriate for their symptoms. If a person has a sudden change in their health such as sudden onset of chest pain, difficulty breathing, etc., call 911.

The most up to date information about COVID-19 can be found on the MDH and CDC websites: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html and https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html.