FERGUS FALLS -- County commissioners, on Tuesday, March 31, heard County Public Health Director Jody Lien speak about the possible volunteer coronavirus (COVID-19) response from health care retirees living in Otter Tail County.
“We’re confident these people will respond, when needed,” Lien said during an online county board meeting.
Lien also referred to Minnesota Responds, coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Health.
“A willingness to assist by retired health care providers, and others, is crucial to COVID-19 response efforts,” Lien said.
Minnesota Responds is a partnership, as noted on its website, that integrates local, regional and statewide volunteer programs to strengthen COVID-19 response and recovery capabilities.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Part of this effort is reducing vulnerability,” Lien said. “We in county public health continue to urge residents in Otter Tail County to adhere to stay at home directives, continue with social distancing and hand washing and follow other safe practices.”
Lien said that county public health employees will continue with outreach programs, work directly with local health care providers, be ready for alternative health care sites and provide for continuity of county health programs during day-to-day operations.
The county board, in addressing coronavirus (COVID-19), will meet twice weekly online, at least for the near future. The next gatherings were scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, April 3; 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 7; and 10 a.m. Thursday, April 9.
Each of the five commissioners encourage public input. They include Board Chairman Lee Rogness of Fergus Falls and County Commissioners Doug Huebsch of Perham, Betty Murphy of Maine Township, Wayne Johnson of Pelican Rapids and John Lindquist of Dalton.
