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NEW ULM -- Brown County Public Health Director Karen Moritz urged the public to be cautious Tuesday regarding the COVID-19 pandemic as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches.
"We're seeing the highest number of 5-11-year-old cases than we ever have. We're seeing 20-30 12 to 18-year-olds hospitalized daily, " Moritz told Brown County commissioners in her update at the board meeting.
Moritz said smaller vaccine clinics are better for small children and she promoted booster shots for anyone eligible age 18 and over.
"We're seeing child vaccine clinics fill up," said Moritz. "I think we are seeing that vaccines are working."
Moritz said some people who got COVID-19 have not gotten their sense of taste or smell back.
"Some things have improved, some things have not. Brown County is doing very well with vaccinations," said Moritz. "For those age 12 and up, 70.9% have their first vaccination, 58.1% have their second vaccination."
"We recommend people be careful about (Thanksgiving) gatherings. Vulnerable people should wear masks," Moritz said.
Her report added its important for people to focus on their mental health and wellbeing besides their physical health with the pandemic and holidays.
"Data shows increases in mental health and wellbeing issues including chemical use and domestic violence in the nation, state, and locally," read the report.
Holiday initiatives include a self care challenge in November with the Heart of New Ulm (HONU) Mental Health and Brown County Public Health Well Being Action Team. Self care should include exercise, eating healthy, getting 7-8 hours of sleep, connecting with family and friends, and being out in nature.
The HONU registers people to participate in holiday trimming. A six-week program includes wellbeing strategies, weekly healthy lifestyle email tips and staying motivated with local activities, social media posts and easy recipes.
Links to both programs can be found on the the HONU Facebook page.
Commissioners unanimously approved:
• A resolution supporting the Minnesota Valley Action Council to administer the Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program from Oct. 1, 2021 through Sept. 30, 2023, motion by Commissioner Dave Borchert, seconded by Jeff Veerkamp. From July 1, 2019 to Sept. 30, 2021, eight Brown County households were assisted with $30,547 in prevention services.
• A 2022 Brown County Evaluation Center (BCEC) contract, motion by Borchert, seconded by Tony Berg. A $4 per day increase was requested.
There was no increase last year. Per diem would be $447. For uninsured clients, bills are sent to the county of financial responsibility and agencies receive an $88 per day discount is paid in full within 30 days.
Brown County paid $85,574 to the evaluation center in calendar year 2020. So far in 2021, Brown County has paid $70,381 for detox services and $93.30 for prescription medication.
"Things are going well. We're very busy," said BCEC Executive Director Amanda Schuknecht.
"Thanks for the job you are doing there," said Commissioner Windschitl.
“You're full most of the time. You're taking people from other counties," said Commissioner Borchert. "We need these services. I know you're going in the right direction."
• Sleepy Eye Electric's $14,555 low bid for electric service installation and hookups at the sanitary landfill north addition, motion by Veerkamp, seconded by Borchert.
A weigh scale is being finished soon, with a pump house, cold storage building, and scale house to follow. Other bids were Full Service Electric $14,720 and Paul’s Electric $20,300.
• A $12,794.10 contract with Gemini Research, Morris, to photograph bridge 2110 on CSAH 8 over the Minnesota River, motion by Scott Windschitl, seconded by Borchert; and accept the project with an 80/20 funding split, Brown County paying 20%, with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), motion by Dean Simonsen, seconded by Borchert.
"It sounds like a lot of money, but we have to do this. It's part of the (MnDOT) agreement," said Windschitl.