An important message from the Health and Human Services Department
As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the Mille Lacs Reservation and nearby communities, it is important to remember we are each responsible for our own health and self-care. Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Health and Human Services is here to support the community in many ways, and the best advice we can offer is for each individual to do their part to protect themselves and their loved ones. It is up to you to slow the spread of COVID-19.
We understand it may look like the greatest threat is over as businesses and activities across the state and on our own Reservation begin to re-open. However, the Minnesota Department of Health is predicting that the peak of COVID-19 has not yet hit Minnesota. MLBO HHS and Public Health recommend following the guidelines set forth by the CDC and MDH. It is safest to assume everyone you meet is positive for COVID-19.
HHS is committed to offer support to families and households affected by COVID-19. When an individual has tested positive for the illness, the following steps are implemented:
— The household is recommended to quarantine
— Quarantine packs are delivered
— Contact tracing begins by members of MLBO Public Health
— Each individual meeting the requirements of exposure are notified
— Support is provided by HHS/PH to meet the needs of the quarantined household and individuals
Please continue to follow the guidelines:
Distancing
—Stay home as much as possible.
—Stay at least 6 feet from other people if you are in public places.
—Telework if you can.
—Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
—If you are 65 and older or have certain underlying medical conditions, stay at home and avoid situations where you could be exposed, including travel.
Hands and face
—Wash your hands often, with soap and water. Wash for at least 20 seconds.
—Always wash your hands after being in a public place.
—Always wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
—If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.
Face Masks
CDC recommends that you wear a cloth mask over your nose and mouth in grocery stores and all other public places where it is hard to stay 6 feet away from others.
When you wear a cloth mask in public, remember:
—Masks can help to stop your germs from infecting others. This is extra important if people without symptoms can spread the virus that causes COVID-19 disease.
—Wearing a mask does not protect you from others who may spread the virus. You will still need to wash your hands often, cover your cough, and stay 6 feet away from others.
—Wearing a mask does not mean people who are sick should be in public places. Stay home if you are sick.
—If you need to see a doctor, call your clinic first. Do not just go to the clinic. Wear a mask when you do go to the clinic.
—Do not buy or wear surgical or N95 masks. Health care workers need them so that they are protected when helping sick patients.
—Do not put facemasks or face covers on children under age 2.
—Do not put facemasks or face covers on anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, or unable to remove the mask without help.
Important phone numbers
Provider appointments: 320-532-4163 option #2
Nurse Line Clinic: 320-630-0397
Nurse Line (after hours – Jenna Kuduk): 320-630-0855
Mental Health appointments: 320-532-4163 option #2
Mental Health call line: 320-674-4385
Substance Use assessments/counseling: 320-532-7773
Pharmacy: 320-532-4779
Commodities and food shelf: 320-630-2432
Stay home, stay safe, and stay well!
— Mille Lacs Band Health and Human Services