MDH Establishes Hotline To Answer New Coronavirus Questions

MINNESOTA — The Minnesota Department of Health has established a hotline to field questions about the new coronavirus. If you have concerns about COVID-19, you can call the MDH Hotline at (651) 201-3920 for answers.

So far, two people in Minnesota have tested positive for COVID-19. A total of 82 residents have been tested, with 80 of those tests coming back negative.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spread by respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how flu and other respiratory diseases spread, or when people touch surfaces that have been contaminated by an infected person, and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth.

Here tips from the MDH to protect yourself:

• Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into your sleeve, and then throwing the tissue in the trash.
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom or before eating. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose and mouth ‑ with unwashed hands.
• Stay home if you have cold or flu-like symptoms, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.

If COVID-19 disease begins to spread in Minnesota communities, state and local public health authorities would consider community interventions such as temporary closures of child care facilities and schools, workplace social distancing measures such as replacing in-person meetings with teleworking, and modifying, postponing or cancelling mass gatherings.

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Decisions about the implementation of community measures would be made by state and local officials based on CDC guidance as well as the scope of the outbreak, according to a news release.

Also read: 2nd Coronavirus Case Confirmed In Minnesota