Posted at 8:28 a.m. Updated at 11:05 a.m.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
STATE UPDATES
The Minnesota Department of Health reports that as of Monday, April 6, 30 have died from COVID-19 complications. Over 28,000 tests have been completed, with 986 confirmed positive cases, up 51 from yesterday. Four hundred and 70 patients have recovered and no longer need to be isolated. The total number of cases that have required hospitalization is 223, with almost half of them currently hospitalized. There are 57 Minnesotans in the ICU today.
According to a likely exposure graph on the website, 34 percent of confirmed positive cases contracted the virus from community transmission. Twenty-four percent were exposed from another case, 17 percent were exposed from travel to another state and 11 percent were exposed from international travel.
Gov. tim walz
Governor Tim Walz delivered his second State of the State address Sunday night. The address was delivered via YouTube from the Governor’s residence.
Gov. Walz sent a letter to President Donald Trump requested a major disaster declaration, and on April 3, also signed an executive order providing for emergency relief from regulations to motor carriers and drivers operating in Minnesota.
LOCAL UPDATES
Beltrami County now has six reported cases of COVID-19, with two more confirmed positives since Friday. The Minnesota Department of Health website indicates that Clearwater and Itasca counties each have two confirmed cases and Mahnomen and Cass counties each have one case. Not all suspected cases of COVID-19 are tested, so the total number of people in the state who have or have had COVID-19 are not fully represented.
UNITED WAY
The United Way of Bemidji Area is encouraging residents with questions on COVID-19 to call their 211 line, rather than overwhelming dispatch centers witH non-emergency calls. The line, also available by texting your zip code to 89821, can answer questions on resources available in the community or other non emergency needs.
In addition, United Way of Bemidji Area and Community Resource Connections are working together to provide updated information concerning cancellations and changes to services across our region. Local agency updates can be found at www.CRCInform.org.
Also, the United Way has established an emergency fund to assist non-profit agencies with unexpected expenses due to the COVID-19 crisis. These funds will support access to food, emergency needs, and care to elderly/most vulnerable in our community. Agencies with unexpected expenses combined with fundraising shortfalls due to event cancellations will be included. Visit UnitedWayBemidji.org/Emergency-Fund to donate or apply.
LAW ENFORCEMENT HELPS THE HOMEBOUND
The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office, Bemidji Police Department and Blackduck Police Department are offering to help deliver groceries and prescriptions to those who may not be otherwise able to get them delivered.
- This service is available Monday-Friday from 7:00 AM-4:00 PM.
- After you have placed your order, paid for it, AND it has been confirmed to be ready for pick up, call our records division at 218-333-4187 and provide the necessary information about your grocery order or prescription. DO NOT CALL 911.
- A Beltrami County Deputy, Bemidji Police Officer or Blackduck Police Officer will make contact with you and confirm the details of your delivery and any additional details needed. They will explain the delivery procedure.
- You will need to contact the store or pharmacy and advise them of the Deputy or Police Officers name that will be picking up your order or prescription with the approximate time you are provided for by the Deputy or Police Officer.
- As the Deputy or Police Officer arrives they will be calling you. They will leave the delivery at the designated OUTSIDE location and will step away and wait for you to retrieve your delivery.
- You must be able to meet with the Officer or Deputy. They cannot leave your delivery where it will not be immediately retrieved by you.
- They cannot pay for your grocery items or prescription.
- This service will be offered to our community as long as we can offer it during these difficult times and it may end without notice.
- Protecting and serving our community is our primary mission-protecting the lives, rights, privileges and property of the citizens of Beltrami County will take priority over grocery or prescription deliveries.
- No take-out, curbside restaurant deliveries.
- No alcoholic beverages.
- If we have not made contact with you, please call our records division and provide your information. If you have special telephone numbers, special personnel that should be contacted, or other special instructions please provide that information to our records division by calling 218-333-4187.
- Please understand that the Deputy or Police Office will potentially need to respond to an emergency call for service at any time, so please allow them the privilege of getting the order picked up immediately when they arrive.
- Secure all bags or boxes so items cannot spill out of them.
- Limit all bags or boxes to one delivery address.
- Include a detailed receipt on the outside of one of the packages with the name, address and phone number of where the item is being delivered.
- Additional conditions may apply.
