UPDATE: The previous Olmsted County Public Health statement gave inaccurate figures citing an average of 181 new cases per day.
The CDC published a total of 181 cases per 100,000 people in the last seven days in Olmsted County, not 181 new cases a day.
OLMSTED COUNTY, Minn. (KTTC) – Current high COVID-19 figures in Olmsted County are causing tension in local public health systems, leading to changes in the way a positive case will be investigated.
According to a statement released Tuesday, Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS) does not have the capacity to continue case investigations and follow-up contacts for all people who test positive for COVID-19.
The Olmsted County COVID-19 website shows that the daily average of seven-day cases was 181.31.
Olmsted County residents who test positive for COVID-19 may not receive a phone call from OCPHS during this period of high community outreach.
Some people who test positive and have a valid cell phone number will receive a text message that will link to an online reporting tool from the Minnesota Department of Health. They will be asked to respond with their email address and will receive a case investigation interview form by email.
Anyone in the community who prefers an interview conducted by OCPHS is welcome to call 507-328-7500.
To move forward, the county will frequently review prioritized groups and conduct interviews based on community case information, ”said OCPHS Director Graham Briggs.
OCPHS asks any individual who tests positive for COVID-19 to:
o For at least 10 days from experiencing symptoms for the first time.
o Until you have a fever for at least 24 hours (no fever-reducing medications).
o Until symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours.
o Complete the MDH case investigation survey if not called.
- Start a list of people you’ve been in contact with for two days before symptoms appear.
o Contact the people on your list and let them know that you tested positive for COVID-19. Also inform them of:
o Stay home for 14 days since they last had close contact with you.
o Look for COVID-19 tests 3-5 days after they last had close contact with you.
- Contact your employer, school, or child care provider for your diagnosis.
- Avoid contact with other people, even those in your home.
- If you need it, seek professional medical attention by calling your doctor or 911 for a medical emergency.