The DOC is following the Minnesota Department of Health testing guidelines for monitoring, isolation/quarantine, and testing of the people incarcerated in our facilities. However, we are not waiting for positive test results to take appropriate precautions. If an incarcerated person exhibits symptoms consistent with COVID-19, we follow MDH guidance for how our health care and other staff use PPE and interact with those individuals, how to isolate and quarantine them, and how to protect the health of everyone involved.
We are also tracking, to the best of our ability, positive tests among staff members. Like all Minnesotans, staff members go to their personal health care providers when they get sick. Our numbers for staff are based on self reports. Therefore, the information might not be complete.
Definitions
Patients tested: Incarcerated people tested for COVID-19.
Confirmed positive: Incarcerated people confirmed positive for COVID-19 by testing.
Confirmed negative: Incarcerated people confirmed negative for COVID-19 by testing.
Tests pending: Individuals tested for COVID-19 but with no result returned yet.
Presumed Positive: Incarcerated people presumed positive for COVID-19 because they exhibited symptoms of COVID-19 and had close contact with a person confirmed positive through testing.
No Longer Requiring Isolation: a person is no longer in need of isolation under these conditions: (1) at least 72 hours since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and (2) improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and, (3) at least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
Hospitalized: Incarcerated people currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 complications. For security reasons, we will not be breaking out these numbers by facility.
Deaths: Incarcerated people who have passed away due to COVID-19 complications.
DOC update on increased testing, population management strategies 04.24.20
Each facility has implemented detailed plans, in collaboration with the Department of Health, around CDC protocols for the prevention and management of COVID-19 infection within correctional institutions. Each facility has implemented a number of measures to minimize the impact of COVID-19 in Minnesota’s correctional facilities. Click on each facility below to learn more.
ALL VISITING SUSPENDED: All in-person visiting has been suspended until further notice.
We are working closely with the Minnesota Department of Health and the Department of Public Safety to monitor the ongoing COVID-19 (“coronavirus”) developments.
While many COVID-19 cases seem to be mild to moderate with symptoms similar to colds and flu, some cases may be more severe. People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider before going into the clinic. Share with them your symptoms as well as any travel history or other information about potential COVID-19 exposure.
Link to MN Department of Health: Strategies to Slow the Spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota
For up-to-date information, visit the websites of the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) . The best guidance for avoiding COVID-19 is to take the same precautions you take for avoiding colds and flu:
1. Stay home when sick.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at a time.
3. Cover your coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or a tissue, not your hand. Throw the tissue away when you are done.
4. Stay informed. Visit the MDH and CDC websites often.
