How local communities are addressing the Coronavirus threat

By Denise Bonsack, Publisher

Living in a rural area definitely has benefits too numerous to mention. We are not immune to the recent shortage of everyday supplies like toilet paper, but we do have an advantage in our population density when it comes to the concerns over the COVID-19 threat.

Nation-wide, the virus has had a huge impact on life as we know it.  Colleges have been shut down, sports seasons have been cancelled or postponed, families are dealing with not only the threat of a disease, but the potential financial impact of being out of work. Closer to home, schools are closed for at least two weeks, and things continue to change quickly. 

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness with symptoms that include a high fever (100.4 or higher), cough and shortness of breath. 

What can you do to protect yourself and those around you?  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water before eating, after using the restroom and after blowing your nose. If you can’t wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 65 to 90 percent alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, cover your coughs and sneezes and avoid close contact with those who are sick. Finally, they suggest regularly cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces in your home and workplace – including, but not limited to, door handles, light switches, faucets, etc.

Here’s what’s being done locally to help stop the spread of COVID-19:

Local Public and Parochial Schools: On Sunday, March 15, Governor Walz signed Executive Order 20-02 directing all schools to shut down for a period of two weeks, beginning Wednesday, March 18 and running through Friday, March 27. Soon after, GFW Schools notified parents that they would begin classes two hours late on Monday, and then would be closed beginning Tuesday, March 16 until further notice.

Cedar Mountain Schools posted a message on facebook and communicated with families indicating that they would be closed immediately, beginning March 16, but that the building would be open if students needed to pick up materials. The district will use the time to prepare for distance learning in the event of a long-term school closure.

Area Nursing Homes:

Fairfax Community Home: A statement from Administrator Judy Sandmann indicates that all visitors are asked to refrain from visiting the facility. Staff and medical personnel only will be allowed in the building effective immediately per proactive measure recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. Activities including music will be postponed until further notice. The statement goes on to say that they appreciate visitors, friends and communities working together with them to help keep residents safe and healthy during this time.

Franklin Rehabilitation and Health Care:  As of Friday afternoon, the Franklin Rehabilitation and Health Care Center indicated that they didn’t feel the need to be on lockdown or restrict visitors. They are screening visitors as well as all residents and staff using an assessement tool that includes five questions about whether they’ve been to any of the affected areas, and also screen for signs and symptoms. 

Visitors have to check in with the business office and vendors are not allowed in the building but are dropping shipments at the door. 

They are also working with the housekeeping department to make sure things are being cleaned and disinfected regularly.

They are continuing to monitor the situation and will adjust as changes are necessary.

Gil-Mor Manor and Gil-Mor Haven in Morgan have restricted visitors to essential personnel and emergency family visits only and encouraged people to communicate with their loved ones by phone and through email.

Southview Care Center in Gibbon is also restricting visitors, and non-essential staff and all activities are on hold. They are updating emergency procedures, supplies and equipment and participating in education through MDH and the CDC.

Area Hospitals: RC Hospital & Clinics has opened a drive-thru testing station at the hospital in Olivia for those who can no longer manage their care at home. They encourage anyone who feels sick to start on their website with an eClinic visit or call the Triage Nurse at 1-800-916-1836. For more detailed information, check out their website at rchospital.com.

Carris Health in Redwood Falls has similar information available. They are offering curbside collection for patients with a scheduled appointment who have met pre-screening requirements at the Redwood Clinic. The nurse line at the Redwood facility is 507-637-1730. That line is answered Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. CentraCare Connect can be contacted outside of those times. That number is 320-200-3200.

Carris Health is limiting visitors at their facilities as well, including patient family and friends, students, volunteers and non-essential contracted vendors. Exceptions will be made for patient family members under special circumstances. Contact the hospital for details.

Sleepy Eye Medical Center in Sleepy Eye has implemented similar visitor restrictions. No visitors are allowed at the Sleepy Eye, Morgan and Comfrey facilities for the safety of patients, staff and the community. Visitors impacted include friends and family of patients, students, volunteers, and non-essential vendors. Exceptions may be made – contact the hospital for details.

If you feel you are developing symptoms of COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider or the Sleepy Eye Medical Center at 507-794-3691.

Further information will be available on their website at semedicalcenter.org.

For general up-to-date information, the Minnesota Department of Health has organized a COVID-19 HOTLINE.  That number is 1-651-201-3920 and will be available between the hours of 7 am and 7 pm.

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