Karen Newman
“The influenza vaccine is always important but it is extra important this year because we have two circulating viruses. The influenza virus and the coronavirus are circulating at the same time.” Public Health Director Kathy McKay began her September 22 Clay County Covid report to the county commissioners by emphasizing the possibly dire long-term health consequence to individuals who contract the flu and coronavirus at the same time. She urged individuals who have not had the influenza shot in the past to make arrangements to receive one this year saying, “The coronavirus and the flu together would be a double whammy. The flu vaccine will protect you from the worst strain of influenza. You definitely want to protect your health.”
Setting a positive example for county citizens, the commissioners and Sheriff Mark Empting received their shots from Clay County Public Health Nurse Cheryl Sapp. The public kickoff encouraging flu shots is starting in September so flu shots can be completed in advance of a potential coronavirus vaccine.
McKay provided the weekly Covid-19 statistics.
· 90,942 confirmed positive cases for the state of Minnesota
· 1281 confirmed positive cases in Clay County
40 Clay County deaths (unchanged from the previous week)
She emphasized that the health care system is able accommodate all hospitalizations from Covid-19 at this time.
As expected with the return of higher education students and resumption of K-12 classes in the county, case numbers have risen. McKay reported, “The unfortunate thing is that we are seeing, across the state and locally, a reluctance from Covid positive adults, parents of children with Covid, and parents whose children have been exposed, to provide information.” She added that the health department and schools understand it is a hardship for people to quarantine because they are sick or to provide childcare for sick children. McKay cautioned that community spread worsens by not sharing information. McKay reminded citizens, “If you are a contact of a positive tested case, you have to quarantine for fourteen days. It is a responsibility for all of us to follow the guidelines.” Covid-19 guidelines are available at the county website at: https://claycountymn.gov/462/Public-Health
Commissioner Mongeau reported that her constituents have questions about the Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) survey which will be done door-to-door. McKay emphasized that this survey, conducted by the Minnesota Department of Health is voluntary and will help the state health department understand the effect COVID-19 is having on Minnesota communities. The survey will include a Covid-19 test, a Covid antibodies test and an information form.
McKay said that a free three-day community testing opportunity for the community will be happening soon. The event will provide 600 tests daily. A link to register for the testing will be posted on the Clay County Public Health website when final arrangements are made.
