‘Cover Stories’ Archives
Tips from a COVID-19 Case Investigator
By LINDSEY FENNER With all of the news about COVID-19, it can be hard to know what to do when YOU are the one feeling sick or when you find out you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. It”™s important that you do your best to follow public health recommendations for testing, isolation, and quarantine so that together we can stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect vulnerable loved ones. When should I get tested? You should get tested if: You are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 You have been identified as a close contact with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19You were present at an event or gathering where testing is recommended because of a possible outbreak What are the symptoms of COVID-19? Symptoms can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, fatigue, congestion, or loss of taste or smell. Other less common symptoms include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or [...]
Tips from a COVID-19 Case Investigator
By LINDSEY FENNER For the past two months, I have been reassigned as a COVID-19 Case Investigator. This means that everyday I have conversations with people who have tested positive for COVID-19. Over the next few months, I will share tips and ideas from this experience. This month, I want to introduce everyone to what a Case Investigator does and what you should know if you get a call from one. What happens when I test positive? After a positive test for COVID-19, you should be getting two phone calls: one phone call from the clinic where you got tested, and another phone call from a case investigator from the State of Minnesota Department of Health or a local public health agency. Why do we call? We want to give you information about isolation and quarantine. I spend most of my time answering questions, talking through what isolation might look like, and making sure families have what they need to isolate and to stop the spread of COVID-19 to others. [...]
Swim Safely at Home or Away
By H. Lynn Adelsman, Modified from MN Dept. Natural Resources advice With few or no lifeguards at Minneapolis lakes and beaches this summer, please be aware of these safe practices: Always watch children around water, without being distracted. Phones can be distracting and contrary to child-monitoring.Keep young children within arm”™s reach of an adult at all times.Teach children how to swim. Consider their age, development, and how comfortable they are around water. (See below for swim lesson resources).Empty buckets, containers, and kiddie pools immediately after use. Store them upside down so they don”™t collect water.Air-filled and foam toys are NOT safety devices.Children should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket in the water.Be aware that fences are needed around home or apartment pools. A 4 foot tall, pool fence should surround all sides and have self-closing and self-latching gates to avoid children from entering unsafely without [...]
