COVID-19 Education and Resources

Health officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) are responding to an outbreak of respiratory illness, called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Blue Earth County is working closely with MDH and other local partners to respond to this rapidly evolving disease outbreak.

Here is what Blue Earth County residents can do:

Educate Yourself


Make sure your COVID-19 information comes from reliable sources like MDH, CDC, or your healthcare provider. 

Take Care


Take the same precautions recommended for avoiding colds and flu. 
  • Stay home when you are sick
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes

Prepare 


Visit Ready.gov for tips and a checklist of useful supplies. 

What To Do If You Are Sick


Most people who become ill with COVID-19 have symptoms that start with a fever and a dry cough. Most people will have mild illness and get better without needing any special care. It's important to stay home if you're sick - even if the illness is mild - because we must protect those in our community who are more vulnerable to severe illness. 

If you are sick: stay home, cover your cough, wash hands and surfaces frequently, try to separate yourself from other members of your household to avoid infecting them. If you feel you need healthcare, please call your healthcare provider before going to the clinic or emergency room. They will give you special instructions and prepare for your arrival. 

MDH Hotline


MDH has a hotline for questions the general public has about COVID-19. The hotline is open seven days a week, 7am - 7pm at 651-201-3920. 

Online Resources


The following websites provide the most up-to-date and accurate COVID-19 information and recommendations:

Understanding Exponential Growth

Watch how exponential growth really works and learn why the virus seems to spread so fast in the video below.