1 In 5 MN Coronavirus Cases Are Health Care Workers: Report

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A new report suggests that health care workers make up as many as one in five confirmed coronavirus cases in Minnesota. The report from Fox 9 says that the state health officials confirmed 133 of the states coronavirus cases were nurses, doctors or other health care workers.

The Minnesota Department of Health does note, however, that this number may be because have easier access to coronoavirus testing kits, and the state has prioritized testing health care workers to prevent them from spreading it to patients.

The Minnesota Nurses Association has raised concerns about the availability of protective masks in the state, and have been collecting donations of N95 masks to try and meet the demand and slow the spread of the virus between patients and health care workers.

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While there are still many unknowns about the virus, including how often patients may be totally asymptomatic, doctors do have some tips for avoiding the virus.

• Try to avoid close contact with others. The virus can generally spread to patients within six feet of each other.
• Don't touch your face. Coronavirus can survive on the surface of an object, and you can get sick from touching something with the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose or ears.
• Wash your hands frequently. Frequent washings can stop the virus from spreading from your hands to the rest of your body.

While many people who do catch coronavirus will just have mild or moderate symptoms, patients who are 60 or older or who have underlying medical conditions should contact their health care provider for guidance. The DOH also warns that some patients see their symptoms get dramatically worse in their second week of illness.

The Minnesota Department of Health has also set up a hotline for anyone with questions, at 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903. The line will be staffed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.

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