HUBBARD COUNTY COVID-19 UPDATE

Posted on:

March 12, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HUBBARD COUNTY COVID-19 UPDATE

PARK RAPIDS, MN (March 12, 2020) CHI St. Joseph’s Health Community Health and CHI St. Joseph’s Health hospital have been monitoring the Novel Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, situation since it began, meeting weekly and preparing for possible outcomes.  As of March 12th, 2020, there are no known or presumptive cases in Hubbard County MN.  We have the capability to test for the virus but have not been required to do so yet.  As the public health agent for Hubbard County, we are in close contact with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and will work with them if the virus begins to spread in our communities.   Currently there are 9 known cases in Minnesota, out of 320 tested for the virus.

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus that has not been found in people before.  This virus probably originally emerged from an animal source but is now able to spread from person-to-person.  The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to what someone may be experiencing as the result of seasonal influenza – namely a fever, cough, or shortness of breath.  These symptoms on their own are not worrisome and should not cause alarm.  But if someone exhibits these symptoms who has recently traveled to areas with widespread COVID-19 illness or has been in close contact with a known positive case, that individual should immediately notify their health care provider, who will coordinate with the appropriate public health officials to determine next steps.  Additionally, that individual should limit movement within the community and limit visitors until further guidance can be given.

Based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of other coronaviruses, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure.

There is currently no vaccine or antiviral treatment available for coronavirus.  In our area we do have influenza and cold viruses circulating, and CHI St. Joseph’s Health recommends taking everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs including regular hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or an elbow, and staying home when you’re sick. We also encourage influenza vaccination if you have not already done so.  All nonessential travel to areas affected by COVID-19 is also discouraged.  If you are in a higher risk category for complications, we would recommend taking additional care, following CDC guidelines.

As this situation is changing rapidly, we will provide updates on our local situation regularly via our Facebook page.  Please use the CDC website for the most current guidelines and recommendations, found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.  The CDC website includes guidelines for individuals, families, schools, faith communities, long term care, and health care providers.  CHI St. Joseph’s Health Community Health and CHI St. Joseph’s Health hospital are committed to the safety and health of our community, and we will continue to work together and with community partners throughout this changing situation.

###

About CHI St. Joseph’s Health

CHI St. Joseph’s Health is a 25-bed critical access hospital serving communities in Hubbard, Becker, Cass and Wadena Counties since 1946. In recent years, CHI St. Joseph’s Health’s award-winning teams received several national honors including: The Joint Commission Top Performer on Key Quality Measures in surgery; Top 100 Critical Access Hospital, HealthStrong; WomenCertified’s America’s Best Hospitals Women’s Choice Award in obstetrics; and the Studer Group Fire Starter Healthcare Organization of the Month among other national, regional and state recognitions.

About CHI

Catholic Health Initiatives, one of the nation’s largest health systems, was formed in 1996 to strengthen the Catholic health ministry for the future. With deep roots in the tradition of expressing Christ’s love by caring for those in need, Catholic Health Initiatives serves more than four million people each year through acute care hospitals; long-term care, assisted and residential-living facilities; community-based health services; home care; research and development; and reference laboratory services.

###

Contact: Sonja Day
Communication/Marketing Manager
CHI St. Joseph’s Health
600 Pleasant Avenue
Park Rapids, MN  56470
218.616.3383

Contact information for CHI St. Joseph's Health, CHI St. Joseph's Health Community Dental Clinic, Hospice Care, Community Health, Physical Rehabilitation and Fitness Center, and Weight Management Center. Click here

Thank you for exploring potential career opportunities at CHI St. Joseph's Health! We invite you to share in our mission of providing compassionate care to the communities we serve while promoting our core values of Reverence, Integrity, Compassion and Excellence in our healing ministry. Click here

Thank you for taking the time to support CHI St. Joseph's Health. Click here to make a difference!

Pay your bill online! Click here