COVID-19 continues to spread in Pine County, which had 56 confirmed cases on April 27, including 45 individuals incarcerated at Willow River. On April 17, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirmed the first case of novel coronavirus in Mille Lacs County. The individual, who later died of the disease, was a resident of Mille Lacs County in their 60s. No additional cases had been reported in the county as of April 27. Aitkin County, where District II is located, also had one case as of April 27.
Since the outbreak started in December 2019, more than 3,000,000 cases and 211,000 deaths have been reported worldwide. Those totals include more than a million U.S. cases and more than 56,000 U.S. deaths. Minnesota totals per MN Department of Health on April 27 were 3,816 positive lab con- firmed cases and 286 deaths. There were 292 patients in the hospital, including 122 in intensive care.
In a majority of cases, COVID-19 causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in approximately two weeks, while those
with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover. Health officials recommend individuals and families make a plan in case someone gets sick. Recommendations are as follows:
• Stay home and only go out for essential needs.
• Isolate if you start to show symptoms or are sick.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a
tissue.
• Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds with soap
and water.
• Avoid touching your face throughout the day.
MDH has set up COVID-19 Hotlines:
School and child care questions: 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Health questions: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Visit www.cdc.gov and www.health.state.mn.us for more information about COVID-19.