Dear Visitors and Second-Home Owners: You are an integral part of Cook County’s economy and culture. We know that you love this area, just like we do. Please be aware, however, that this small-town community is not just your get-away destination. It is also a community of its own. For the people who live and work here, who raise their children and care for their parents here, this is our primary home. We do not have somewhere else to go.
You may think that you are “just” enjoying the shore. But would you invite non-household members into your home, just so they can sit on your furniture and gaze out the windows? If you are coming here from outside Cook County you are NOT obeying the Governor’s order to Stay At Home (to travel no more than one hour from your primary residence). You are potentially dragging the Corona infection here and putting the small town you love at risk.
We already have limited resources. We have no in-store grocery shopping, for instance you must place your order by phone and then pick it up at the curb several hours later. Grocers are only able to provide this service using an army of local volunteers. Once the virus takes hold, these businesses may have to close due to lack of healthy workers. Then no one here will have access to local food.
Our tiny rural hospital has limited beds, with only a few RNs on any shift, and no ICU beds or ventilators. We are trying to protect our health care workers. We are trying to protect our elders and others who are vulnerable. These people are our friends and family members. We are trying to flatten the curve, not just in Minnesota, but right here in Cook County.
Please don’t be selfish. Don’t think that your desire to recreate is more important than our community’s need for safety. Please protect the community you love by following the governor’s guidance and stay at home for now.
We miss you, and look forward to having you back when we can safely reopen.
Jennifer Schulz, Grand
Marais
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