From Cook County Public Health and Human Services - March 13, 2020

With the increasing spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota, Cook County Public Health and Human Services is committed to working with its partners in healthcare and emergency management to get residents accurate, up-to date information on how to take care of yourself, your family, and our shared community.  Today Governor Walz issued a peacetime state of emergency related to COVID-19 and Commissioner of Health Malcolm gave a series of protective measures for Minnesotans designed to slow the spread of the virus throughout the state: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/action.pdf

We urge residents of the county to take these measures seriously and to accept a sense of personal and shared responsibility to help protect those who are at highest risk for severe complications from the virus—including older adults and those with underlying medical conditions.

It continues to be extremely important to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, regularly clean frequently touched surfaces, cover your cough, and stay home if you are sick.  If you are sick, especially if you have any symptoms of respiratory illness, make sure to call your healthcare provider before seeking care. 

If you are at high risk for complications from COVID-19, consider staying home—avoiding large social gatherings and travel.

Create a household plan in case there is an illness in your family or disruption to your daily activities due to COVID-19.  This includes keeping on hand a two-week supply of food, medications and other essentials.  Consider ways to communicate with and support friends, family, and neighbors who may be at higher risk from COVID-19 such as running errands.  Check in with schools, workplaces, and childcare facilities to learn more about their emergency operations plans and try to build flexibility into your life so that you can adapt to changes in your daily routine.

The Minnesota Department of Health has a hotline for community members who have questions related to COVID-19 and its impact on our lives.  The number to call is (651) 201-3920 and the hotline is open from Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.