The Otter Tail County Public Health Department says it is ready to respond to the growing concern over COVID-19, the coronavirus, according to a news release.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, “coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. They are estimated to cause about a third of all cases of the common cold.” COVID-19 is “a viral respiratory illness caused by a corona virus that has not been found in humans before,” according to information cited in the release.
Like with any contagious illness, the goal is to reduce the spread of the virus from person to person. Therefore, public health recommends the following steps be taken:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Cover your cough.
- Stay home when you are sick.
Otter Tail Public Health, along with the state Department of Health, encourages people, to follow general preparedness guidelines:
- Stay informed. Visit the Department of Health website .
- Have a backup plan if a caregiver such as day care or a parent is sick.
- Maintain a supply of essential items, such as nonperishable food.
- Think about necessary items to have at home, including prescription medicines (check your refill dates), and nonprescription medications, such as fever-reducing medications.
For additional information visit ottertailcountymn.us/department/public-health/ or call 218-998-8320. Minnesota Department of Health website: www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus .
