Winter 2020-21 Hometown Messenger

If news surrounding the pandemic has you worried about every scratchy throat or runny nose, you're not alone. Fortunately, there are trusted resources and science-backed facts to help keep your family safe and slow the spread. Masks should be worn continuously and correctly. “Masks are still necessary because you can have COVID-19, but not have symptoms. You might feel healthy, but you can still infect others without a mask to stop your virus-laden droplets,” says Monte Johnson, MD, vice president of Medical Affairs at St. Francis Regional Medical Center. “To ensure your mask is effective, it should completely cover the chin, mouth and nose. Special care should be taken to avoid touching your face or mask throughout the day,” Johnson said. Staying safe from COVID-19

It may be second-nature by now, but hands should be washed thoroughly and often, for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol should be used. “Practicing physical distancing is still critical,” said Amy Jerdee, RN, president of St. Francis. “When in contact with anyone from outside your household, you should continue to wear a mask and stay six feet apart,” she explained. “This is important whether at work, grocery shopping or even going for a walk.” If you need medical care, you can feel safe seeing your provider. Many precautions have been taken at health care facilities to ensure patient safety. Some are providing virtual visits, some have in-person hours and some are closed completely.

"When in contact with anyone from outside your household, you should continue to wear a mask and stay six feet apart. This is important whether at work, grocery shopping or even going for a walk." Amy Jerdee St. Francis Regional Medical Center President

To determine the best route of care for your needs, call your clinic’s main line. If emergency care is needed, whether or not it’s related to COVID-19, visit the nearest emergency department or dial 911. If you think you might have COVID-19, isolate until you can see a provider virtually, or call your clinic to determine where to get a COVID-19 test. Continue to isolate until you receive a negative test result or until ALL of the following are true: • Your symptoms are improving. • You have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. • At least ten days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.

It’s important to stay up to date with accurate information as the pandemic progresses. Refer to trusted organizations for facts: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and Minnesota Department of Health at www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus

City to survey residents on quality of life, city services You will soon have an opportunity to share your thoughts and opinions regarding life in Shakopee as part of an upcoming community-wide survey. National Citizen Survey will conduct the 2021 Community Survey, which asks residents to share feedback on city services, current issues and the city’s overall quality of life. Approximately 1,500 randomly selected households will receive a paper survey in January. The results will be collected to gather a scientifically reliable sample. National Citizen Survey will use Shakopee’s data to compare the city with more than 600 communities nationwide, including similar Minnesota cities. All Shakopee residents can also share feedback via an online survey. Sign up at www. ShakopeeMN.gov/subscribe under "City News" to be notified when the survey is available. The results of both surveys will be published in February.

Sign up for email and text alerts Keep informed of what’s happening by subscribing to the city's email and text delivery service. Sign up for updates on topics that interest you at www. ShakopeeMN.gov/subscribe .

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