April 30, 2020

Dear MTCS Families

In the last few days there have been a few updates in the COVID-19 Situation.  The most impactful is that the CDC has updated symptoms indicative of COVD-19.  With this new information, reach out to your healthcare providers to be further assessed.  The State of Minnesota projects near-future testing capability of up to 20,000 people per day.  Once this process is fully realized, it is more likely that people will be able to get tests when indicated.  The CDC’s official release of these “new” symptoms will help one better assess their potential need to be tested. 

People with COVID-19 have a wide range of symptoms – ranging from mild to severe. Symptoms may appear 2 -14 days after exposure to the virus.  

The CDC now officially states that there are, indeed, multiple symptoms to consider. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19.

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat

**Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness.

A new or changing cough or any difficulty breathing could indicate COVID-19. Furthermore, any 2 of the other symptoms (Fever, Chills, Repeated shaking with chills, Muscle pain, Headache, and Sore throat), could also indicate someone has COVID-19.  If you think you have COVID-19, please call your clinic or healthcare provider.  They will advise you on the next steps available at that current time.

The other big change is that Governor Tim Walz has extended the Stay Home order until May 18, 2020, with some changes.  It will mean that more businesses will be allowed to reopen on Monday May 4, 2020.  These openings may not be full-openings, but rather  mirror the “curbside pickup” model that many restaurants have been practicing.  The other recommendation made is to wear a mask when social distancing is not possible.  There are many cloth mask options that people can wear.  Please visit the CDC webpage for more information on how to make a cloth mask.  Masks are not recommended for children under 2 years, children who cannot wear one uninterrupted, or those who find it difficult to breath wearing a mask. Cloth masks are worn to prevent any potential spread by the wearer unknowingly emitted through respiratory droplets.  People with symptoms should continue to remain HOME. 

As always if you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call or send me an email.

In Health ,
Tara Meyer, RN, BSN, PHN, Licensed School Nurse
(612) 202-8802
tara@navigatecareconsulting.com