OLIVIA — Renville County is expanding its Emergency Operations Command team to include representatives from its 10 communities.
Mike Hennen, emergency management director for the county, told the County Board of Commissioners during its work session Tuesday that the 10 cities will begin participating in team meetings on Wednesday of this week. The team will be hosting virtual meetings twice a week.
The expansion comes after seven communities in the county sent a letter urging that they have a voice at the table in how the county manages the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new arrangement will require that the cities represent the fire and police and first responders in their communities.
Hennen told the commissioners that the Emergency Operations Command was initially activated this spring to coordinate the county’s response to the pandemic. Its membership has increased as needs have developed to address a growing range of issues.
One of the key issues at this point is meeting the needs of long-term care facilities for personal protective equipment and other resources, Jill Bruns, director of the county’s Public Health office, told the commissioners. By far, those in long-term care represent the county’s most vulnerable population during the pandemic, she said.
She said providing protective equipment and nursing support are two critical areas the Emergency Operations Command is working to assist.
Bruns said her office is also preparing to provide information to individuals in the county who become infected by COVID-19. The Minnesota Department of Health contacts individuals who test positive for the virus to gather data from them. The county’s focus will be to provide them with information on the importance of quarantining while they are infectious.
She also noted that mental health professionals report that the stress of isolation is taking a toll on adults and young people. Concern is growing about the stress being felt by those in agriculture as well. Bruns said the mental health professionals warn that there will be long-term effects.
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