Cook County announces second resident case of COVID-19

Cook County received notice of its second resident case of COVID-19 this morning, as reported by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) as part of its daily update.

The infected resident is a female in her 20s.

Although this is the second positive COVID-19 result for a Cook County resident, it is the third positive test for North Shore Health. As WTIP previously reported on July 3, a male in his 50s who is not a resident of Cook County sought care locally and was found to have the coronavirus. See the related story here.

After a person tests positive for COVID-19, local public health officials conduct a case investigation interview and subsequent contact tracing.  Contact tracing is the process of reaching out to high-risk contacts of a person with lab-confirmed COVID-19 and encouraging them to quarantine for 14 days.

“The time delay between our first and second resident cases is a testament to the vigilance of our residents and visitors in maintaining public health best practices,” said Emergency Operations Center Incident Co-Commander Grace Grinager.

“Continuing to follow public health best practices is the best way we can take care of one another as the pandemic continues,” Grinager stated. “Cover your cough, wash your hands frequently, stay six feet apart from others in crowded places, and wear a cloth face mask in public spaces where it is difficult to socially distance from those outside your household. If you are feeling ill, we ask you to please stay home.”

Anyone with clinical questions about the COVID-19 virus, including symptoms or testing, should call the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic at 218-387-2330.