BROWN COUNTY — Brown County commissioners learned that there were seven confirmed COVID-19 cases in the county during an update from Brown County Public Health Tuesday.

The seven COVID-19 cases in Brown County as of 11 a.m. Tuesday were two more than was reported late Monday morning.

Brown County Health officials said later on Tuesday that of the two new cases, one individual is in their 60s and hospitalized. The other individual is in their 50s, was in contact with a known laboratory confirmed COVID-19 case, and is recovering at home.

The report to commissioners also said that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend people wear cloth face masks when in public where social distancing may be difficult, such as visits to grocery stores and pharmacies.

The report urged people to wash their hands after touching something other than their personal belongings and to be aware that the coronavirus is most contagious when people cough, sneeze or talk and when people are most symptomatic with a fever, shortness of breath and a very weak feeling. People were urged to remain home if they get coronavirus symptoms, call their healthcare provider and visit virtually.

The public was encouraged to spend time outside but do so according to CDC and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines.

Public Health Nurse Jaime Brand said Brown County Public Health is collaborating with New Ulm Medical Center with “really awesome” results.

She encouraged people seeking more information on COVID-19 to visit www.cdc.gov and www.health.state.mn.us.

Brown County Emergency Manager Shawn Stoermann said collaborative community partnerships have recently generated 15 gallons of hand sanitizer for healthcare providers and first responders and 250 face masks. Stoermann said some of the hand sanitizer was forwarded to the Sleepy Eye Medical Center.

“Requests are getting more unique, but we’re filling them as much as possible,” Stoermann said.

The update concluded with four words: “keep calm and wash hands.”

Commissioners unanimously approved:

* A 2020 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Outdoor Recreation Grant Application resolution, motion by Commissioner Scott Windschitl, seconded by Commissioner Dave Borchert.

The project estimated to cost up to $366,500 includes upgrading rest room facilities to ADA standards, replacing roads, paving parking lots, improving grass and dirt trails with crushed rock, and installing a four-foot retaining wall at the beach head area to prevent shore erosion, adding beach sand and updating playground equipment.

Brown County would pay up to $175,000 for the project that may be funded in June. Project completion date is June 30, 2022.

* Tabling a request to approve a license bureau lease effective July 1, 2020 with the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC), motion by Commissioner Windschitl, seconded by Commissioner Jeff Veerkamp. Auditor-Treasurer Jean Prochniak voiced concern about a license bureau room being used by the DOC at this time.

“I’m just raising a red flag. We need the space. When we open the license bureau, we struggle with staff social distancing,” Prochniak said. “This (coronavirus guidelines) could go on for more than three more months.”

Commissioner Borchert asked if another location could be used. Brown County Probation Director Les Schultz said the public library has been used in the past. The motion to table was made pending how long coronavirus issues continue.

* A resolution approving an archeological survey for Bridge 2110, aka the Hale or Franklin Bridge, CSAH 8, over the Minnesota River motion by Commissioner Windschitl, seconded by Commissioner Tony Berg. The bridge was closed Aug. 1, 2017 due to structural deficiencies.

In February 2018, commissioners decided to accept federal off funds to pay 80% of eligible bridge replacement costs. It was determined an archeological survey is required to receive federal funds for the project.

* Learned from Commissioner Berg a $14,000 Brown County Economic Development loan was recently approved for a restaurant dealing with financial issues due to the coronavirus.

Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.