Olmsted County moves to "high" COVID-19 community level

(ABC 6 News) – Olmsted County has moved back into the "high" category for COVID-19 community level.

In a press release the county stated the change in status is due to COVID-19 related hospital admissions.

The full press release reads:

ROCHESTER, Minn. – Olmsted County is now considered to have a “high” COVID-19 community level under parameters set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

New COVID-19 related hospital admissions have increased in Olmsted County to 10.3 per 100,000 residents over the past seven days. The CDC also looks at new cases and percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients.

“While we are concerned about the increase of COVID-19 in Olmsted County, we know we have the tools to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in our community,” Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS) Director Denise Daniels said.

Olmsted County residents can:
• Wear a mask indoors in public.
• Get a COVID-19 vaccine and stay up to date with boosters.
• Get tested if they have COVID-19 symptoms.
• Follow the CDC’s quarantine and isolation guidance when ill with COVID-19.

“Our hospitals also have the availability to administer antivirals for severe cases of COVID-19,” Daniels said. “If you have COVID-19, you should talk to your health care provider about what options may be best for you.”

Olmsted County highly recommends individuals consider wearing masks while in the high community level and welcomes the use of masks in local government buildings for whoever wishes to wear them. However, it is strongly recommended that unvaccinated and immunocompromised individuals wear facial coverings in county buildings. Masks will also need to be worn by individuals 2-years-old and up for direct patient care services provided by Olmsted County Public Health Services.

Residents are encouraged to visit the CDC website to monitor Olmsted County’s community levels and follow CDC guidance based on the level listed. This resource is also available on the Olmsted County COVID-19 webpage.