Sanford Health officials briefed media today on the situation of COVID-19 in our area.
At the moment, the region is in a community mitigation phase of the pandemic, which has been met with frequent cancellations of events, including sporting events.
There are no cases in Bemidji as of press time, and Sanford assures the public that in the event of an influx, they will be prepared.
The mitigation efforts are important to “flatten the curve,” as in minimizing the amount of people who could get infected and minimize the strain such an influx could put on a health care system for those who may fall seriously ill.
These mitigation efforts largely involve restricting large gatherings of people to prevent a sudden increase in the spread of the virus.
Dr. David Wilcox of Sanford Health says most care for most patients could be done at home.
Statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and the Minnesota Department of Health show that of all who may catch COVID-19, most will be able to recover at home.
Fifteen percent of those who are infected with the novel coronavirus will need to be hospitalized, five percent will fall critically ill and one percent may die.
The largest concern is for those over 65, as the median age of COVID-19 deaths is 80, and critically ill median age is around 65.
LISTEN HERE TO THE FULL BRIEFING:
Featured photo: Dr. David Wilcox at a press briefing today, with public health coordinator Cynthia Borgen to his right.
