Updated: Public Health reports Olmsted County's first case of COVID-19
Public Health officials announced Wednesday the first presumptive case of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in an Olmsted County resident.
This marks Minnesota’s fifth confirmed case of what the World Health Organization is now officially calling a pandemic.
Here are some Key takeaways from Wednesday’s news conference:
➡ Test results came back positive last night through the state public health laboratory. It is the first case of the coronavirus to be reported in southeast Minnesota.
➡ The person is in their 50s with known travel to an area outside of the U.S. with known activity. (Additional details about the individual are not being released to protect the patient's privacy.)
➡ They were seen at Mayo Clinic in Rochester before being discharged. Mayo spokesperson Bob Nellis said all proper precautions were taken ahead of the patient's visit. “We are following all precautions,” said Nellis. “There should be no doubt about that. Our staff is safe, and they have been.”
➡ Like 80 percent of those who contract the virus, the patient has only mild symptoms, similar to the cold or flu. They are now home recovering, and it appears "they are going to be fine," said Olmsted County Public Health Director Graham Briggs.
➡ Mayo Clinic will continue to welcome patients, except for those who live in or have traveled to an area experiencing a Level 3 travel alert. “Mayo Clinic is safe,” emphasized Nellis. “It’s safe to come here.”
➡ Briggs said he is confident the patient did not contract the virus in Rochester. Additionally, he said there is no evidence of local transmission. “We’ve got some things on our side,” said Briggs. “The person lives alone, and we don’t have some of the concerns that we might have [if they had been] out in public areas, in big meetings or big congregate settings.”
➡ Olmsted County Public Health is working with state officials to identify and monitor individuals who may have come in contact locally with the patient. It is believed to be a small group of people. State health officials say the patient may have had symptoms while at work.
➡ At this time, Public Health is not recommending any major changes for local institutions or businesses; aside from limiting large group activity when possible. “We don’t have any plans now as far as quarantining neighborhoods or anything like that,” said Briggs. He added, “What we want to do is encourage our local residents to make the best decision they can based on the information that’s available, whether that’s as a business owner, a resident, or someone who’s at higher risk.”
➡ They do, however, believe there is a good chance the virus could re-emerge — so it is important for residents, especially vulnerable residents, to consider taking precautions in line with CDC recommendations.
➡ Rochester Public Schools Superintendent Michael Muñoz said there are no plans to close schools at this time. “At this time, I think we will probably not go to that point but there may be a point where we limit students’ access to conferences or events, but at this time, we plan to carry on as normal," he said. Still, Muñoz said conversations are taking place to prepare for a 'what if' scenario. Separately, the University of Minnesota — including the Rochester campus — is suspending in-person instruction through April 1. UMR is also extending its spring break through next Wednesday.
➡ Mayo has begun testing for COVID-19 at a temporary drive-thru area outside of its family clinic in northwest Rochester. All samples will be sent to the Minnesota Department of Health for analysis. Patients are required to call into Mayo before being referred to the site.
➡ Lastly, and this is important — don't panic! We should all take precautions and to continue to stay informed. But let's not lose perspective. As Briggs stated, "I think our community is well-prepared for this. We’ve got the world’s best hospital just down the street, we’ve got an amazing public health system in Minnesota, I’m surrounded by an amazing group of people that are working very hard on this. I think I want the community to know in this situation that we are ready, we’re preparing, and as we do see additional cases, we’re ready to respond to this.”
Mayo travel restrictions
Mayo Clinic has begun restricting all non-essential business travel, effective immediately, a spokesperson said Wednesday.
The travel restrictions apply to international and domestic travel, including trips to and from campuses in Florida and Arizona.
The announcement does not, however, affect business travel between Midwest locations using personal vehicles.
Mayo spokesperson Ginger Plumbo said the Clinic expects the travel restrictions to extend until the end of April.
Meantime, the organization is also asking its staff to suspend large meetings, conferences and any gatherings, both on and off campus.
Plumbo said the restrictions are being made to ensure the campuses remain safe for patients and staff.
The moves are in line with precautions advised by the Centers for Disease Control to limit the transmission of the coronavirus, COVID-19.
Health officials are stressing the importance of all Minnesotans continuing to do those things that can limit the spread of the coronavirus:
Stay home and away from others if you are sick.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue.
Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds with soap and water.
Avoid touching your face throughout the day.
Sean Baker is a Rochester journalist and the founder of Med City Beat.
