NEW ULM — The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has notified Brown County Public Health of the first confirmed death of a Brown County resident due to COVID-19.

No other details regarding the death are available at this time, according to a press release from Brown County Public Health.

“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the individual who has died,” said Karen Moritz, Brown County Public Health Director. “As COVID-19 continues to spread in our communities and in the state of Minnesota, we must all do our part to keep those around us safe and help slow the spread of COVID-19.”

Brown County Public Health has also been notified of an outbreak of COVID-19 in a congregate living facility. An outbreak in these settings can be identified as one or more laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases in either staff or residents.

MDH is conducting contact investigations for all lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases. Residents of congregate living facilities who have been identified as having been exposed are being isolated to prevent further spread of disease in these care settings. These contacts will be monitored by nursing staff and also MDH for fever and changes in respiratory symptoms for 14 days.

Governor Tim Walz has extended the Stay At Home order to go until at least May 4th. It is crucial that we as Minnesotans and Brown County residents continue to follow the Stay At Home order to protect our neighbors and those around us that are most vulnerable.

COVID-19 continues to circulate in our communities and in many communities across Minnesota. Brown County will continue to see additional cases in the days and weeks to come. It is important to continue to practice protective recommendations which include:

Wash your hands frequently

Stay home if you are sick

Cover your coughs and sneezes

Practice social distancing of at least 6 feet or greater

Limit movement in the public to only essential needs

Avoid touching your face, mouth, nose, and eyes with unwashed hands

Wear a mask if in the general public

If you develop symptoms such as a fever, cough, or shortness of breath and are able to manage your symptoms at home, it is recommended to stay home and manage those symptoms. If you are in need of medical advice, please consider a virtual visit or phone call to your provider prior to reporting to the medical facility.

MDH has set up a public hotline that is open 7:00am-7:00pm and that hotline number is 651-201-3920.

Additional information regarding COVID-19 can be found on the CDC and MDH websites:

https://www.cdc.gove/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Minnesota Department of Health

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