A lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 was confirmed at Forestview Middle School.
A letter posted Thursday, Oct. 1, by the Brainerd School District reported the Minnesota Department of Health confirmed the case, but noted the individual was not on-site during the contagious period.
“We have worked closely with MDH to identify those who may have had close contact with the case, and have found no risk of exposure to the school community,” the Brainerd School District reported. “The risk of exposure for all individuals present in the building are no greater than the risk of contracting the virus in the general community. As always, you should still monitor for symptoms of illness, but do not need to stay home unless symptoms develop. If symptoms develop, stay home and consult with your health care provider to determine if a medical evaluation is needed.
“We understand that this may create unease in our community. We have taken action to clean and sanitize the facility and are working closely with MDH to monitor the situation.”
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The school district again listed the ways to minimize the spread of the disease by wearing a face covering when it’s hard to stay 6 feet apart, washing hands often with soap and water, covering a cough or sneeze, frequently clean commonly touched services and staying home when sick. The district also advises people to be prepared to stay home by having supplies of food, water, medications and other necessities when it isn’t easy to go out.
The total number of positive COVID-19 cases reached 100,200 in the state with 2,049 deaths in the state. Crow Wing County has the largest number of cases and deaths in the seven county region. All seven area counties saw an increase in confirmed cases since Sept. 25.
The state health department recommends people stay home when symptoms develop and consult with a health care provider to see if a medical evaluation is needed. Those with symptoms are recommended to stay home for at least 10 days, and for three days without a fever or without using fever reducing medicine.Those exposed to a symptomatic person should try to stay home as much as possible for 14 days.
“This is a challenging time and I know many of you may be feeling stress or anxiety,” stated Angie Bennet, human resources director, in the school district letter. “We will get through this together as a community, and will be stronger when we emerge.”
In the state health department’s daily update Thursday, the congregate care facilities with a reported exposure from a case of COVID-19 in a resident, staff person, or visiting provider included Edgewood May Creek in Walker, Cuyuna Regional Medical Center Care Center in Crosby and Good Samaritan Bethany in Brainerd. The list is updated Fridays.
COVID-19 data as of Oct. 1
Aitkin — 91 (+15 since Sept. 25), with one death.
Cass — 202 (+37), with four deaths.
Crow Wing — 581 (+86), with 18 deaths.
Mille Lacs — 176 (+18), with three deaths.
Morrison — 293 (+60), with three deaths.
Todd — 514 (+26), with two deaths.
Wadena — 74 (+6).
NOTE: These numbers are cumulative since March 21 and many are out of isolation. The number of those no longer needing isolation is not reported on a county-level basis by the state.
