3rd COVID-19 case confirmed in Minnesota, patient in critical condition
[anvplayer video=”4855692″ station=”998122″]
The third case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Minnesota.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) said Tuesday an Anoka County resident in their 30s tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease.
The patient was likely exposed through contact with international travelers, according to MDH, and developed symptoms Feb. 28 before seeking health care on Monday when testing occurred. The department said the person first sought health care on March 3 but was sent home based on their current health status.
Walz signs $21M funding bill for COVID-19 response
MDH added that the patient is currently in the hospital in critical condition.
[KSTP]
Authorities are working to determine who else may have come in contact with the person, and those people will be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days, MDH said.
According to state health officials, the person didn’t have a "glaringly apparent" underlying health condition, but that’s still being investigated.
Health officials again stressed the importance of:
- Staying home if you are sick,
- Covering your coughs and sneezes,
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water,
- Avoiding touching your face.
The confirmation comes on the day Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill authorizing $21 million for Minnesota health officials to battle the COVID-19 outbreak.
The first two cases in Minnesota were confirmed on March 6 and March 8, and involved a Ramsey County resident and a Carver County resident, respectively.