The Minnesota Department of Health notified Brown County Public Health of two laboratory confirmed COVID-19 cases in Brown County. One of the individuals is in their 60s and is hospitalized, and the other individual, in their 40s, is recovering at home.

The Minnesota Department of Health is conducting contact investigations on laboratory confirmed cases. These contacts of positive cases are identified and isolated to prevent further spread of disease in the community. Close contacts identified during the contact investigation are quarantined for 14 days at home from their known exposure to the confirmed case and monitored by Minnesota Department of Health for fever and respiratory symptoms.

Brown County Public Health states that this is an event they have been anticipating, planning for, and are now ready to respond to as needed.

“Brown County is a strong community, and has put in place strong collaborative efforts with key partners to promote messaging in regards to responding to this outbreak. Brown County partners have experience working together and caring for each other during stressful times. We, with our partners, will continue to support the community as we respond to the COVID-19 outbreak,” a Brown County Public Health statement said.

The health and safety of the residents of Brown County remains a priority among all partners across the board. Brown

Brown County Public Health urges all county residents to do what they can to slow the spread of the disease and lower demand on health care facilities.

“That means to stay home when you are sick at all costs,” according to the Public Health statement. “Plan and identify for a friend or family member to assist in going out into the public and getting supplies if you are sick. When people are gathered together, diseases can spread quickly. To stay safe avoid going out unless it is for essential items, work, or leisure outdoor activities, and keep a distance of 6 feet from other individuals. Wash your hands often, cover coughs, and sneezes, and avoid touching, eyes, nose and mouths with unwashed hands.”

In majority of cases, COVID-19 causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever, cough, and shortness

of breath. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

It is encouraged to use the virtual visit option with local healthcare facilities if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 that can be managed at home. Call your health care provider if you are experiencing difficulty breathing or severe illness that you cannot manage at home.

Learn more about the virus and ways to protect yourself, your family, and your neighbors at the CDC website (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html)

MDH has set up a public hotline that is open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The hotline number is 651.201.3920. See MDH website for additional resources below

https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html).

For Mental Health concerns and peer support

South Central Mobile Crisis Services/Crisis Center 24 hour Warm Line 877.399.3040