NEW ULM — Fall and winter season

cold weather and more indoor activities

creates a surge of respiratory illnesses,

according to the Brown County Public

Health Dept.

Brown County and the state of Minnesota

has seen an increase in COVID-

19, influenza and the respiratory virus

(RSV) over the past few weeks.

“COVID-19 hospitalization rates

have increased since the middle of November,

particularly in the 85 and older

population,” said Brown County Public

Health director Jaimee Brand.

“County-level testing information is

no longer available from the Minnesota

Department of Health (MDH). Hospitalization

data indicates the COVID-

19 virus is circulating throughout our

county in other populations as well,”

added Brand.

Hospitalization rates for Brown, Redwood,

Lyon and Sibley counties is 10 to

19.9 per 100,000 people from Nov. 26 to

Dec. 2. The rate is under 2.5 per 100,000

people in Blue Earth and Renville counties,

according to the MDH.

The COVID-19 death rate by county

of residence is zero in southwest and

south central Minnesota counties. The

rate is 5.0 to 9.9 in McLeod County

through Dec. 2.

Brand said COVID-19 isolation recommendations

for those testing positive

for COVID-19 are to stay home for at

least five days and isolate from others in

the home. If symptoms have improved

after day five, isolation may end as long

as there has been no fever for 24 hours.

Masking through day 10 is recommended

for those leaving isolation after

day five.

COVID-19 test kits are still available

free of charge at Brown County Public

Health (1117 Center Street, New Ulm).

Business hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Brand said the most common influenza

strain circulating is Influenza A.

She said the southern half of the United

States is seeing a higher number of flu

cases, but the disease is predicted to

reach the northern half of the country.

Minnesota currently has minimal

transmission, while surrounding states

are seeing significant influenza activity.

The third respiratory virus, RSV, has

increased across Minnesota the past few

weeks, said Brand.

Ways to lessen the chances of becoming

ill from the three major respiratory

viruses are following proper hand hygiene

by washing hands in warm water

with soap for at least 20 seconds after using the restroom, before and after preparing food and eating.

Staying home while sick will also help stop the spread of community viruses.

There are approved vaccines for COVID-19, influenza and RSV. It is not too late to receive vaccinations.

The public is advised to talk to their healthcare provider to learn if vaccinations against the viruses is a viable option.

For more information, visit www.health.state.mn.us.