Minnesota National Guard
Officials have identified a “significant increase” in COVID-19 cases in Ely, which has caused St. Louis County public health. Louis reminds people to test and quarantine them if they have been exposed to prevent further transmission of the virus.
“We know people are tired and have probably experienced an overload of information about COVID precautions this past year,” said Amy Westbrook, St. Louis County’s director of public health. Louis.
“But outbreaks like the one we’ve seen in several of our communities in the last two weeks make it very clear that we still can’t let our guard down. Vaccinations make a difference, but we still have to stay vigilant and make it our own. part to minimize the spread of this virus. “
Last week, there were 33 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ely, accounting for 15% of all St. Louis County cases. Louis.
St. Louis Public Health says some of the cases “appear to be related to travel,” but others are related to social gatherings and youth sports.
Related [March 22]: Some parents avoid COVID testing for children to attend schools and sports
Anyone who has spent 15 minutes or more within 6 feet of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 should be quarantined for 14 days, symptomatic or not, except for people who have been completely vaccinated and who at least 14 days have passed. since its final dose of the COVID vaccine, the county says.
Meanwhile, St. Louis County Public Health. People can order a free home saliva testing kit from the Minnesota Department of Health online here or get tested at the Essentia Health Ely Clinic (other testing sites can be found here).
Anyone who has symptoms, has been exposed to COVID-19, or has attended a meeting or indoor event should have COVID-19 tested. The health department also encourages students to get tested at least every two weeks and student-athletes to get tested every week.
The outbreak in Ely occurs as cases of COVID-19 have been on the rise in Minnesota, especially after an increase in cases of variant B.1.1.7 that was first discovered in the United Kingdom. . This variant has pleased an outbreak in Carver County related to youth sports and other outbreaks in Scott, Blue Earth and St. Louis counties. Louis.
Minnesota has routinely had about 1,000 confirmed cases a day over the past week to ten days, and hospitalizations have gone from lows of 220 in early March to 332 (as of March 23).