Update from Commissioner McGuire - March 14, 2020

Ramsey County, Minnesota sent this bulletin at 03/14/2020 04:37 PM CDT

Serving the communities of Lauderdale, Little Canada, Mounds View (Precinct 4),
New Brighton, Roseville and the Ramsey County portion of St. Anthony.

March 14, 2020

Contact

Mary Jo McGuire
Commissioner, District 2
651-266-8359
Email

Melissa Jamrock
Principal Assistant

Debbie Orth
Administrative Assistant

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Community Newsletters

Greetings,

I am sending you an update with some of the latest information from Ramsey County on how we are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. I am working to ensure that everything in our power is being done to serve and protect our residents during this time.

My office is limiting our in-person meetings at this time, but we are available via phone (651-266-8359) or email (district2@ramseycounty.us) to answer any inquiries you may have. Please do no hesitate to reach out during this challenging time.

Thank you,

Mary Jo

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health are closely monitoring an outbreak caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (COVID-19).

Current situation

There have been tens of thousands of confirmed cases in China and several other countries including the United States. The World Health Organization declared coronavirus a pandemic on March 11.
The first case in the United States was announced on January 21, 2020. Map of current number of cases by state maintained by the CDC.
Health officials confirmed the first case of novel coronavirus in Minnesota on March 6, 2020, a Ramsey County resident who recently traveled on a cruise ship with a known COVID-19 case. The Minnesota Department of Health is providing current information on cases on its web site.
The Minnesota Department of Health on March 13 announced new community recommendations involving employers, assisted living facilities, schools and health care settings and large and small community events and gatherings.

Hotline

The Minnesota Department of Health has a hotline for questions the general public has about COVID-19. The hotline is open Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. at 651-201-3920.

Questions regarding county policies and the county response to COVID-19 can be sent to Ramsey County's COVID-19 Response Team.

Prevention

Health officials recommend taking the same precautions for COVID-19 as you would for avoiding colds and the flu:

Cover your coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or a tissue, not your hand.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Stay home when you are sick.

The CDC provides guidance for employers, communities and individuals about what they can do to help slow or stop the spread of COVID-19.

Implementation of Mitigation Strategies for Communities with Local COVID-19 Transmission

Symptoms

The CDC believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 after exposure. Symptoms can include:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath

People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 can stay at home during their illness.They should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19. If you don’t have a health care provider, or are uninsured, contact a federally qualified Community Health Center.

Travel

If you are planning a trip overseas, keep an eye on the news and check the CDC's Information for travelers.

Learn more about COVID-19

Plan ahead

How to prepare and take action for COVID-19:

COVID-19 impacts on county services

Ramsey County Library

Due to the closure of all City of New Brighton facilities at end of day Friday, March 13, Ramsey County Library - New Brighton will be closed until further notice.

All other library branches will remain open, but Ramsey County Library events are canceled through March 31 unless conditions warrant continued suspension.

Lake Owasso Residence

As of Thursday, March 12, Lake Owasso Residence has suspended all meetings and volunteer visits/outings until further notice. Families can visit at this time, and residents may go on outings or home visits with family members.

Ramsey County Care Center

As of Thursday, March 12, every person will be screened upon entering the building. Only immediate family members with negative screens will be allowed to visit residents. Exceptions will be made for extended family of hospice residents on a case by case basis. All volunteer visits, incoming groups and outings to the community have been canceled until further notice.

It's not too late to get a flu shot!

Although flu peaks between December and February most years, it can last as late as May. Influenza is a serious viral disease that can lead to hospitalization and 80,000 deaths last year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Flu shots are widely available, check this HealthMap Vaccine Finder to search by ZIP code below for locations offering vaccine near you. Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health’s Immunization Clinic also has low-cost flu vaccine available for anyone age six months or older who are uninsured or whose insurance doesn’t cover vaccine. Public Health offers flu shots by appointment only, call 651-266-1234 for more information.

Flu viruses are spread by droplets when people infected with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Flu also is spread by touching a surface or object that has flu viruses on it. The best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get a seasonal flu shot every year and practice good health habits:

Cover your coughs and sneezes.
Wash your hands.
Stay home if you become sick.

Get Involved

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners is seeking applicants to serve on a number of volunteer boards and committees.

There are two specific openings that District 2 residents can apply for at this time:

Community Health Services Advisory Committee (CHSAC)
Parks and Recreation Commission

The deadline for applicants to submit an application is April 3.

Applicants may apply online at https://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/ap?ap=927651073.

Jobs Corner

Ramsey County employs nearly 4,000 people in full and part-time positions in a variety of fields related to Health and Wellness, Safety and Justice, Information and Public Records, Economic Growth and Community Investment and more.

We welcome all applicants - you do not need to be a county resident to apply.

Current job openings - Ramsey County

Other openings in D2 Communities:

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