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Late last week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) streamlined its COVID-19 guidance for the public, recognizing that COVID-19 continues to circulate throughout the world and that nationally, we have better tools in testing, treatments, and vaccination to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death than we did earlier in the pandemic.
These updates to the CDC’s COVID-19 guidance changed some recommendations for the public, but many stayed the same:
– Make sure you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations.
Remaining up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations is the best way to protect yourself from becoming seriously ill due to COVID-19. If you are unsure if you are up to date, you can look online to see how many doses are recommended for you ( www.cdc. gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html#recommendations). You can also call Sawtooth Mountain Clinic (218-387-2330) to schedule a vaccination appointment or to set up a time to talk about any questions you might have regarding vaccination with a medical provider.
– If you are exposed to someone who is contagious for COVID-19, test 5 days after your exposure, watch for symptoms, and wear a high-quality mask in public spaces for 10 days after your exposure.
This is the main difference to the CDC’s recommendations; there is no longer a recommendation to quarantine after an exposure to COVID-19 for those not up to date on vaccination.
– People who experience mild illness due to COVID-19 should isolate (including from others in their home) for 5 days after their symptoms begin. Then, if feeling better, they should wear a high-quality mask in public spaces for the following 5 days. If a person is still feeling ill after 5 days of isolation, they should continue to stay home.
– People who experience moderate or severe illness due to COVID-19 or who have a weakened immune system should isolate for 10 days after their symptoms begin and should contact their medical provider if symptoms have not improved at that point.
– Stay informed. The risk of becoming sick with COVID-19 is higher when the community level of COVID-19 is “high”.
The CDC updates its Community Levels tool on Thursday evening each week (www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/yourhealth/covid-by-county.html). Each Friday, Cook County Public Health provides a local social media update on the weekly COVID-19 level for our County on both Facebook and Instagram.
– Consider your surroundings. Crowded indoor environments with poor ventilation are places where one is more likely to be exposed to COVID-19 and then become ill.
Cook County Public Health is always happy to talk through recommendations for isolation, connect those who test positive with an at-home test with Sawtooth Mountain Clinic for treatment options, and to talk to those who were exposed to COVID-19 about next steps. You can call Cook County Public Health at 218-387-3605.
N-95 masks and rapid tests continue to be available at no cost throughout the county at Clearview General Store in Lutsen; the Grand Marais Public Library in Grand Marais; Grand Portage Health Services in Grand Portage; Lockport Market in Lutsen; North Shore Health in Grand Marais; Sawtooth Mountain Clinic in Grand Marais; Trail Center in Grand Marais; and the YMCA in Grand Marais.
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