CORONAVIRUS

COVID-19, commonly referred to as the Novel Coronavirus, is a topic of concern around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States have declared COVID-19 a public health emergency. The situation is being taken very seriously by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Local Public Health (LPH) and Emergency Management (EM). However, the declaration is not an indication of alarm or fear but rather a time to stay informed. Below are credible, accurate sources for up to date information:

• Centers for Disease Control
• Minnesota Department of Health
• Stay Home MN
• MN Dept of Health Hotline is available daily (including weekends) 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
  • Health questions 651-201-3920 or 1-800-3903
  • Schools and child care questions 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504

The MN Department of Health latest resources for facemasks & PPE: 

Donations of homemade masks can be dropped off at the Meeker Co Sheriff’s Department at:

326 N Ramsey Ave, Litchfield, MN 55355 Phone: 320-693-5400

Interim Guidance on Facemasks as a Source Control Measure, current 3/27/2020 

Document: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/hcp/maskssource.pdf

MDH Interim Guidance on Alternative Facemasks, current 3/27/2020

Document: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/hcp/masksalt.pdf

CDC Strategies to Optimize the Supply of PPE and Equipment. This website also includes a PPE Burn Rate Calculator.

Website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/index.html

CDC MMWR Asymptomatic and Presymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Residents of a Long-Term Care Skilled Nursing Facility — King County, Washington, March 2020, Early Release / March 27, 2020 / 69

Website: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6913e1.htm?s_cid=mm6913e1_&deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM24113

These resources and others can be found on the MDH COVID-19 LTC page: 

Website: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/hcp/ltc.html

Local Resources

Meeker Memorial Hospital and Clinics Triage Line:   320-373-1026

The Meeker Memorial Hospital and Clinics COVID 19 Nurse Triage Line is now open.  If you are experiencing symptoms – FEVER, COUGH, and SHORTNESS OF BREATH- please call the nurse triage line at (320) 373-1026.  The triage nurse will work with callers to ensure they are directed to the correct source of care.  The triage line is open as follows : 

• o   Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
• o   Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon)
• o   Website: https://meekermemorial.org/nursetriageline/

Schools

For additional information on services Meeker County School Districts are providing including food programs, and childcare, please contact your district of residence.  School districts are providing free lunches for those birth to 18 years of age.  To participate in the food program, please go to the district website to complete online registration or call in advance to arrange service.    

• Atwater Cosmos Grove City Public Schools
• Website:  http://www.acgcfalcons.org/
• Phone:  (320) 244-4700

• Dassel Cokato Public Schools
• Website:  https://www.isd466.org/
• Phone:  (320)- 286-4100

• Eden Valley Watkins Public Schools
• Website:  https://www.evw.k12.mn.us  
• Phone:  (320) 453-2900

• Litchfield Public Schools
• Website:  https://www.litchfield.k12.mn.us/
• Phone (320) 693-2444

Meeker Area Food Shelves: 

The Meeker County Food Shelves offer support for those in need of food. Please call the food shelf to arrange an appointment.  

• Dassel – Phone:  (320)693-7661
• Litchfield– Phone:  (320)275-0124
• Website:  http://meekercountyfood.org/