Foster County Public Health Addresses Public on Coronavirus

Posted By: Warren Abrahamson
March 13, 2020 @ 2:14 pm
News

CARRINGTON, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Foster County Commission held a special meeting Friday morning regarding the coronavirus and steps that can be taken to be prepared for it’s spread.

Lisa Hilbert with Foster County Public Health addressed the commission and attending public, starting with the importance of using facts and not fear to prepare and make decisions regarding the spread of COVID-19.

Hilbert says information is being produced daily, which can also lead to misinformation.

She says people need to use only trusted sources for information including the North Dakota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Hilbert says if you are having symptoms, you’re encouraged to reach out to your local provider for taking the next steps.

County Commission Chair Becky Hagel says another step people can take is to stop the spread of misinformation.

Individuals can help protect themselves from COVID-19 by practicing everyday preventative behaviors. Stay home when sick, cover coughs and sneezes, frequently wash hands with soap and water and clean frequently touched surfaces.

Symptoms of COVID-19 in people who have been exposed can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying. Individuals who think they may have COVID-19 should call their health care provider first before going to the clinic, unless it’s an emergency.

For questions related to COVID-19, the public can call the NDDoH health hotline at 866-207-2880 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Individuals who need medical advice should contact their health care provider.

For the most updated and timely information and updates related to COVID-19, visit the NDDoH website at www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus , follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Listen to the full special Foster County Commission meeting below: