County health officials from Human Services of Faribault & Martin Counties are working closely with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Fairmont Foods and local health care partners to respond to the outbreak of COVID-19 cases at Fairmont Foods.

We are taking a united approach to this response by identifying people who are ill as quickly as possible, ensuring people get the medical care they need, and implementing additional screening and safety measures at the plant so it can continue to operate. Over the weekend, all plant employees were tested for COVID-19.

Community Health staff at Human Services continue to operate a 24/7 hotline for anyone needing assistance with obtaining essential services, such as groceries or supplies. This service is available to help individuals safely isolate and quarantine as they recover from COVID-19. The hotline number is 507-238-8434.

As of April 28, 2020, 52 cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed in Martin County. Of the 52 cases,13 are currently active, 35 have fully recovered and four individuals, all in their 80’s, have passed away.

Our top priority is the health and safety of the workers, their families and the community. It is important that everyone in the community continue to take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This means:

 Staying home unless you need to get essential items, seek medical care, or work in an essential service.
 Staying at least 6 feet from other people when you do go out.
 Wear a cloth mask.
 Washing your hands often with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
 Covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue.

We know these things are not easy, but they are the best ways to slow the spread of disease and protect those most vulnerable in our community. While COVID-19 can be mild for most people, those who are older or have underlying medical conditions can be a higher risk for severe disease. We all know someone who is at higher risk—a family member, neighbor, coworker—so we all have to work together to protect them.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, body aches, sore throat or shortness of breath, stay home. Call your health care provider before going to the clinic or a hospital. They will give you information on what to do.
Community Health & Human Services of Faribault & Martin Counties provides daily COVID-19 updates on their Facebook page. Statewide COVID-19 information can be found on the Minnesota Department of Health website (www.health.state.mn.us).