One more case of COVID-19 was confirmed Tuesday, April 14, in a Crow Wing County resident, bringing the total to 17.
Among those 17 cases, 11 are men and six are women in the age range of 20s to 80s. Four of the patients have required hospitalization, two of those in an intensive care unit. Six patients no longer need to be isolated. Two patients are health care workers and one lives in a congregate living setting.
Two Crow Wing cases are known to be travel-related and three cases were known to have contact with someone with a lab-confirmed positive for COVID-19.
State health officials have repeatedly warned confirmed cases are likely a significant undercount of actual COVID-19 cases circulating in the state, and noted residents should assume the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus is circulating in all Minnesota communities.
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Symptoms, recommendations and resources
In a majority of cases, COVID-19 causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover. Health officials recommend individuals and families make a plan in case someone gets sick. They also suggest following the same steps for avoiding the flu:
Stay home and away from others if sick.
Cover coughs and sneezes with an elbow or a tissue.
Wash hands frequently for 20 seconds with soap and water.
Avoid touching the face.
The Minnesota Department of Health has set up COVID-19 hotlines available every day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.:
School and childcare questions: 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504.
Health questions: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903.
Visit cdc.gov and health.state.mn.us for more information about COVID-19.
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