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COVID-19 and respiratory illnesses in season

NEW ULM - High levels of COVID-19 have been detected using wastewater testing, indicating that respiratory illnesses are circulating. Brown County Public Health Director Jaimee Brand said an increase in COVID-19 activity was detected on Sept. 21 from their wastewater data. Wastewater data emerged as a tool to monitor respiratory illnesses and other local data back in 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The data can track four respiratory illnesses: Influenza A, Influenza B, COVID-19, and RSV. “It’s helpful for local public health to see what might be circulating ...

Bank CEOs increasingly turning pessimistic on economy

NEW YORK (AP) — The outlook for the U.S. economy from Wall Street's biggest banks is getting gloomier, with many top executives saying they're preparing for a potential downturn or a recession. Following the short but potent pandemic recession in 2020, many bank CEOs have spent the past year and a half trumpeting the strength of the U.S. economy and the resilience of the U.S. consumer. Many did so again Friday after reporting their quarterly results, but this time with an overriding sense of caution. "We recognize the pressure points are building in several areas of the economy ...

US clears updated COVID boosters for kids as young as 5

The U.S. on Wednesday authorized updated COVID-19 boosters for children as young as 5, seeking to expand protection ahead of an expected winter wave. Tweaked boosters rolled out for Americans 12 and older last month, doses modified to target today's most common and contagious omicron relative. While there wasn't a big rush, federal health officials are urging that people seek the extra protection ahead of holiday gatherings. Now the Food and Drug Administration has given a green light for elementary school-age kids to get the updated booster doses, too -- one made by Pfizer for 5- to ...

After pandemic, new salon gets EDA grant

NEW ULM — Schone Haut, located at 511 N. Broadway, became the eighth business to receive the Economic Development Authority’s small business incentive grant in 2022. Schone Haut is a skin care salon run by Melanie Kittleson. The business name means “beautiful skin” in German. ...

October is Eligibility Worker and Case Aide recognition month

The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges to the way the Brown County Human Services Department did business during the public health emergency, according to Nancy Braan, the department’s financial assistance supervisor. Policies were adjusted as a new way of thinking was needed. “We strive to think outside the box and to continue to provide quality service to our community,” said Braam. “We adjusted practices and have kept them in place to keep everyone safe while preserving our workforce. Brown County Human Services Department is acknowledging the income maintenance unit ...

Telemedicine was made easy during COVID-19 — not any more

Telemedicine exploded in popularity after COVID-19 hit, but limits are returning for care delivered across state lines. That complicates follow-up treatments for some cancer patients. It also can affect other types of care, including mental health therapy and routine doctor check-ins. Over the past year, nearly 40 states and Washington, D.C., have ended emergency declarations that made it easier for doctors to use video visits to see patients in another state, according to the Alliance for Connected Care, which advocates for telemedicine use. Some, like Virginia, have created ...