Posted at 11:19 a.m. Updated at 11:41 a.m.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
STATE UPDATES
The Minnesota Department of Health has confirmed nearly 400 cases of COVID-19 in the state, with over 14,000 tests given and four deaths.
According to the situation update, as of Friday, March 27, 51 patients have required hospitalization, and 34 are currently hospitalized.
Governor Tim Walz will join MDH officials as well as other heads of state agencies during a press conference at 2 p.m.
LOCAL UPDATES
More cases have appeared in the Minnesota Department of Health case map, including a previously reported on Beltrami County case, as well as a case that appeared on the White Earth Reservation in Mahnomen County.
Mayor of Bemidji Rita Albrecht declared a local emergency this morning. The mayor and city manager will now have the ability to respond to situations without bringing it before council during a regular meeting.
Expenses incurred will likely be able to be reimbursed by FEMA. Read more about it here.
Sanford Health has changed its visitor policy.
According to a release, the restrictions take effect today. Visitors will no longer be allowed with a few exceptions. For births, NICU and pediatrics, one pre-determined visitor will be allowed daily.
End-of-life or hospice visitors will be determined on a case-by-case basis. For end of life of a COVID-19 patient, one pre-determined visitor will be allowed, with the visitor following protective measures including masking and self-quarantining for 14 days after the visit.
The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office is requesting donations of personal protective equipment.
According to a release, local emergency responders and public health personnel are critically lacking PPE.
When the country went into a “panic buying“ mode, one of the first things cleared off the shelves and distributors was PPE.
The public and businesses are asked to do an inventory and consider donating excess PPE to Beltrami County for law enforcement, emergency medical services and public health needs.
Call the records department to schedule a drop off.
LOCAL UPDATES
Bemidji Park bathrooms will be closed, but the parks will remain open. Parks and recreation director Marcia Larson has not yet closed the playgrounds. Social distancing is strongly advised within all parks and facilities.
Ruby’s Pantry will return to the area April 1 at the Clearbrook-Gonvick site. No registration will be necessary.
- Distribution will be at the same time – 5:00-6:30pm (or until bundles are gone)
- Distribution will be held outside in our parking lot with a drive thru system.
From Beltrami County Solid Waste
Landfill:
Effective 28 March, 2020 the Demo Landfill will be closed except for times listed below:
New Hours:
Open Friday, April 3, (10:00 – 2:00)
Open Friday, April 10, (10:00 – 2:00)
Assumption: after the 10th we will be open Tuesday-Saturday (7:45 to 3:45)
If you have a 3 or more Roll-Off boxes that need to get emptied we can support this by request from 10 to 2 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday as well by calling Jared at 218-333-8187 the day prior that you need support.
Bemidji and Blackduck Transfer Stations:
No change in Hours/Operations
Expect delays (Social Distancing is in Effect):
-Please stay in your car
-please bag all your recyclables during this Pandemic to limit exposure to Solid Waste Workers.
-Please follow directions from the Solid Waste Employees
-These measures are in place to protect you, others, and our employees.
Remote Transfer Sites:
No change in Hours/Operations
Please wait your turn and practice social distancing
What can you do to help?
-If you only have one bag of garbage, consider waiting until you have more to limit your visits to the Transfer Station during this Stay at Home Executive Order.
-Be patient and respectful we are doing our best to provide the best “Safe” service that we can.
-If you are at risk or sick stay at home, ask someone to haul your garbage to a transfer site.
