Redwood County Public Health (Southwest Health & Human Services) was notified by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) of a person from Redwood County that tested positive for COVID-19. This person is following all recommendations set by MDH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Tribal, state and local public health agencies work together to support persons and families in these situations. While this is the first confirmed positive case in Redwood County, it is likely that this virus is circulating in all of our communities and we need to act accordingly.
With more cases being confirmed in Minnesota and the nation, it is not a surprise that we are seeing positive cases of the virus in our area. To slow the spread of disease and the ability of our health care systems to provide the best care, we continue to recommend:
- Stay home if you are or feel sick
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds – be sure to wash them often and thoroughly
- Cover your cough with a tissue (or with your elbow if you do not have tissue available)
- If you have to be out in public for essential needs, please wear alternative masks (such as homemade masks)
- Avoid people who are sick with respiratory symptoms
- Avoid touching your face
- Follow the Community’s Shelter in Place Order & Closure of Reservation and Businesses (available at https://lowersiouxhhs.org/lower-sioux-indian-community-resolution-no-20-70/)
- Call the hospital/clinic before you go there:
- Lower Sioux Health Care Center: 507-697-8600
- Carris Health clinic: 507-637-2985
- Carris Health- Redwood Hospital 507-637-4500
- If you are experiencing an emergency and/or shortness of breath, call 911
- Call the Cansayapi Emergency Operations Center – COVID-19 Response Line for questions (320) 522-0216
We understand that this is a time of stress in our communities. While we physically cannot always be together, we can still support each other through phone calls, texts, FaceTime, and cards. Consider the neighbor who may need help with supplies. We are in this for the long haul and can make a difference if we follow these guidelines.
For more information visit our website FAQ’s at https://lowersiouxhhs.org/covid-19-faqs/ .
For further local information, please call the following:
Minnesota Department of Health hotline 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903. The hotline is open 7am-7pm Monday – Sunday. The following websites also have the most up to date information on COVID-19:
Minnesota Department of Health: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html