Rumor Control: Confirmed case linked to Leech Lake is not within Reservation boundaries
CASS LAKE, MN- On Friday, May 8, 2020, the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Tribal Health Officials received notification from MN Department of Health of a confirmed case of COVID-19 linked to an address within the boundaries of the reservation. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the individual who tested positive did have a “last known” address within the reservation boundaries but was in fact a resident of a long-term congregate care facility in Itasca County.
LLBO Tribal Health and Indian Health Service, with guidance from the State of Minnesota Department of Health, is conducting contact tracing related to this case linked to the congregate care facility. Individuals who have come into contact with the patient are being asked to quarantine for 14 days.
At this time, we still have no indication of a confirmed positive case of COVID-19 on the Leech Lake Reservation.
However, this is an opportunity for us and the community as a whole to more strongly prepare for the eventuality of a confirmed case on the reservation.
It is more important now than ever to practice the guidelines we have put in place.
- Stay home except for essential needs such as groceries, medicine, outdoor activities, etc
- Wear a mask at all times when outside of your home or in proximity to people outside of your immediate household
- Maintain social distancing of at least six feet from individuals who are not members of your household
- If you are sick or experiencing symptoms, stay home and isolate yourself from others. Contact your healthcare provider to determine if a COVID-19 test is appropriate. If your symptoms worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
- Cover all coughs and sneezes
- Wash hands frequently with soap for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your face
For more information:
https://www.leechlakenews.com/coronavirus