Public Health

Hennepin County Public Health works to improve the health of all county residents by addressing social and environmental factors that impact their health and offering programs and services that help them be healthy.

The department is accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). Achieving PHAB accreditation means the department meets a set of nationally recognized, practice-focused, and evidence-based standards.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Health officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) are monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness, called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). While cases of COVID-19 are now being reported in many countries, including the United States, the health risk in Hennepin County remains low.

There has been one confirmed case of COVID-19 in Minnesota at this time.

Hennepin County Public Health is working closely with MDH and other local partners to respond to this rapidly evolving disease outbreak.

Here is what Hennepin County residents can do:

Take care

Take the same precautions recommended for avoiding colds and flu.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough and sneezes.

Prepare

Gather supplies and develop a plan for your household now, so you are ready in case someone gets sick or in case school, daycare or work is canceled. Visit Ready.gov for more tips and a checklist of useful supplies.

Educate yourself

here are many rumors circulating online about COVID-19. To stay healthy and safe, make sure your COVID-19 information comes from reliable sources – like MDH, or CDC – or your healthcare provider.

What to do if you are sick

Most people who become ill with COVID-19 have symptoms that start with a fever and a dry cough. Most people will have mild illness and get better without needing any special care. If you are sick: stay home, cover your cough, wash hands and surfaces frequently, try to separate yourself from other members of your household to avoid infecting them. Seek healthcare if needed. Please call your healthcare provider before going to the clinic or emergency room – they will give you special instructions and prepare for your arrival.

Don’t discriminate

Do not show prejudice to Minnesotans of Asian descent or assume that someone of Asian descent is more likely to have COVID-19. Do not discriminate against people wearing a facemask or assume that they are ill. People wear masks for a variety of health and cultural reasons.

Travel advice

If you are considering a trip, especially international travel, review CDC travel guidance. This guidance is changing frequently.

Face mask advice

The CDC does not recommend that people who are well (healthy) wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if you are ill and your healthcare provider recommends it. Buying facemasks if you are not ill can lead to shortages for healthcare professionals.

Stay informed

Visit the MDH and CDC COVID-19 websites for continuously updated information.

For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Health web page: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html.