Preparing for COVID-19

During a pandemic, personal, community, and environmental preparedness are critical. Acting now can help protect you and those you care about. 

BEFORE someone in your household is exposed to COVID-19: PLAN 

Develop a plan of action with your household contacts and neighbors 

  • Plan for those who are more likely to experience complications from COVID-19 illness 
  • Identify ways to access resources in your community
    • Call the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Coronavirus Hotline: 800-657-3903
    • Follow your local community’s Facebook pages
  • Develop an emergency contact list
  • Stay informed on the local COVID-19 situation by visiting Crow Wing County’s COVID-19 information page.

Practice good health habits 

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Stay home when you are sick, unless emergency medical care is necessary
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes
  • Wear a mask/cloth face covering in public
  • Clean high-touch surfaces frequently (remote controls, door handles, light switches, etc.)
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after touching your face, before eating, and after using the bathroom, or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol 

Plan for changes with work 

  • Discuss working remotely and understand your sick leave options with your employer.

IF someone in your household is symptomatic or exposed to COVID-19: ACT

Isolation and quarantine guidelines

  • View CDC guidelines
  • Isolation – people showing COVID-19 symptoms
  • Quarantine – people exposed to COVID-19 but not showing symptoms

Reach out to neighbors, friends, and family 

  • If you or someone in your household becomes sick, you may need help from others to get essential items like medication and food
  • Maintain social connectedness using technology (Skype, FaceTime, etc.) 

Continue practicing everyday preventative actions 

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes
  • Clean high-touch surfaces frequently
  • Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer, as directed above 

Learn about testing options 

Inform your workplace and/or children’s childcare facility 

  • If you’re not feeling well or have been exposed to someone with suspected/known COVID-19
  • If your child is sick or has been exposed to someone with suspected/known COVID-19
    • For further guidance, call MDH’s Childcare Hotline: 1-800-657-1304 

If you are showing some symptoms of COVID we recommend you schedule an E-visit with a medical provider. 

  • Patients with a good internet connection can do this from home
  • Devices that may be used include a laptop with a camera and microphone or a smartphone
  • To schedule an E-visit go to: 
    • Essentia Health: https://www.essentiahealth.org/services/virtual-video-visits/  or call 1-844-663-1068.  To talk to someone about qualifying for a COVID test call 1-833-494-0836 
    • CRMC: Call 218-546-7000 and ask to be schedule for a virtual visit.  For patients who have no internet access, or feel their internet might not support a visit, CRMC has designated parking spots outside of the Care Center left of the main entrance canopy to use while attending these virtual visits. 
    • Lakewood Health: Call 218-894-1515 and ask to schedule a virtual visit. 

Other Resources 

Crow Wing County 

State of Minnesota 

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)