Breaking News: Coronavirus hits Steele County

Officials confirm Saturday that there are two cases of the coronavirus. Steele County Public Health Director Amy Caron says a person in their 40s and another person in their 50s have tested positive for COVID – 19. She said both of them contracted the virus while traveling to other states. “These patients are in isolation at home and recovering,” Caron said. She noted Steele County Public Health is working closely with the Minnesota Department of Health as well as other healthcare partners to address the needs of these patients and provide guidance to others who may have contact with them. Caron reminds people that the virus is spread primarily by respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread when people touch surfaces that have been contaminated by an infected person and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth. This is the third case in Steele and Dodge counties. On Friday, health officials confirmed a single case in Dodge County involving a person in their 20s. Statewide, there have been 138 cases of the virus including one death in Ramsey County. The death was a person in their 80s. Any questions about the coronavirus may be directed to Steele County Public Health at 507–444–7650. The statewide hotline is 651-201-3920. We will have further updates on this serious situation as they develop.