At the March 10 Fillmore County Board meeting, Jessica Erickson, director of nursing, reported on COVID-19, the new strain of coronavirus.
Erickson reported that there were two cases in Minnesota, one in Ramsey County and one in Carver County. Later this day there was a third case reported in Anoka County.
It takes two to 14 days after exposure for a person to show symptoms, which can include a cough, shortness of breath, and a fever. Eighty percent of cases are mild. The death rate is 2% to 4%, but may prove to be lower if more mild cases are tested and diagnosed.
A vaccine is being worked on, but it will likely be a year before a vaccine is available. At this time medical professionals are treating the symptoms. Older people that have underlying chronic health issues are most vulnerable to this virus.
If a case were diagnosed by testing in Fillmore County, the identity of the individual would be known only by a limited number of people. Erickson said there have been requests from some people to be tested for the virus. An individual has to meet certain criteria to be tested. If a person is concerned, the person could voluntarily self-quarantine.
County Administrator Bobbie Vickerman explained there is no law, at this point, that says we could make a person self-quarantine. Erickson said at public health, “we always have to prepare for the future.” Chairman Marc Prestby noted there is a pandemic policy in the county’s Emergency Plan.
Commissioner Randy Dahl commented that this virus is not more lethal; there just hasn’t been a vaccine developed to protect against catching this contagious disease. Erickson agreed that his statement was mostly true. She said the goal is to prevent the spread of this virus, the same as any other respiratory illness. Masks are only recommended for people that are sick and coughing to prevent spreading the virus.
It is recommended that one avoid being exposed by avoiding close contact with a sick person. Wash hands or use hand sanitizer. Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Cover coughs and sneezes. Stay home when sick.
The state and public health together will make decisions like the closing of a public school. Commissioner Mitch Lentz maintained the “normal” flu has more impact on Fillmore County than this virus.
Erickson concluded her remarks offering the following perspective: COVID-19 has a 2% risk of spreading while the measles has an 18% risk of spreading.
Other business in brief
•The 2020 fuel contract was awarded to Hovey Oil Co. There was just one bidder. County Engineer Ron Gregg said the prices were pretty much the same as last year.
•A request to advertise for three summer interns for the highway department was approved.
•A request to advertise for a replacement custodian was approved. There is a retirement scheduled for the end of May.
•Gregg requested and received approval for the title of the Engineering Technical Supervisor to be changed to Engineering Supervisor. No change will be made to the job description or the pay grade. Gregg believes it is a more suitable title for Darrell Schmitt and the title is more in line with Schmitt’s peer group.
•A request to hire two replacement social workers was approved. There are two retirements scheduled for midsummer.
•Vickerman said they interviewed two candidates for property appraiser in the assessor department. Approval was given to hire Sarah Kohn with a start date of no later than April 1.
•Lentz reported that the Jail Needs Assessment Committee met for the first time. During that meeting four subcommittees were formed: Community Profiles (General census trends and Community Resource Directory), Target Populations (in jail and out of jail), Jail and Justice System Agency Data collection, and Community information sharing and outreach. The county jail is about 50 years old. This committee’s goal is to determine what is needed and will be needed in the future.
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