As the state begins to open up and various activities resume, Sleepy Eye Medical Center urges the public to resist pandemic or quarantine fatigue.

Dr. Harman Dhaliwal of SEMC further explains this idea of pandemic or quarantine fatigue by referring to Jacqueline Gollan, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Obstetrics & Gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

According to Dhaliwal, Gollan states, “There’s a way people may create a context that assumes that it’s not important (the pandemic). They don’t see anybody sick around them. They don’t know what’s going on, so why would they pay attention to it? So, they may assume a sense of confidence or a perception of control to…confront the situations that are actually risky.”

Dhaliwal acknowledges that some people will choose to engage in risky activities. Instead of shaming each other for those decisions (“risky” or safe), she suggests we work together to reduce risks for others and ourselves.

“We can accept that, despite our best efforts, some people will choose to engage in higher-risk activities—and instead of shaming each other, let’s provide our loved ones with tools to reduce any potential harms. Want to see your grandkids? Still planning to have that party? Meet up outside. Don’t share food or drinks. Wear masks. Keep your hands clean. And stay home if you’re sick,” said Dhaliwal.

There is growing concern of fatigue, specifically in south-central Minnesota, following a spike in cases within several counties, including Watonwan and Blue Earth, which occurred mid-June. Watonwan County also experienced a spike in COVID-19 hospitalizations.

Ongoing Health and Safety Efforts Encouraged

SEMC asks residents not to let the relaxing of some stay-at-home guidelines cause complacency of individual health and safety efforts and encourages the community to:

• Practice distancing by staying 6-feet away from others when possible.
• Avoid congregating in large numbers.
• Wear a face mask if you are unable to maintain a 6-foot distance from others.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as workstations, handrails, and doorknobs.
• Contact your health care provider if you have concerns about your health and for more information about testing options.

Shift in Age Groups Cause Concern

Minnesota also witnessed a shift in the age group that accounts for the largest number of COVID-19 cases. According to new data released on by the Minnesota Department of Health on Friday, June 26, Minnesotans between the ages of 20 and 29 are now the largest group of those testing positive, accounting for 7,045 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. This group now surpasses those ages 30 to 39, who account for 6,908 cases (previously the largest group of those testing positive in the state). People ages 80 to 89 account for 1,536 of the cases, but 484 of the deaths.

The shift in age groups comes after more than 100 cases were reported among Minnesotans in their 20s who went to bars in the Mankato area June 12-13.

On Friday, Kris Ehresmann, Minnesota’s infectious disease director, said that the state’s early sacrifices to limit COVID-19’s spread “will be undermined if we don’t get cooperation from Minnesotans, especially younger Minnesotans, who are most active and social.”

“We desperately need younger Minnesotans to take it seriously,” she added.

Even though young people may be less likely to suffer complications from the virus, Minnesota health officials share concerns of them unknowingly spreading the disease to vulnerable populations.

Keeping Patients Safe

Sleepy Eye Medical Center wants the community to know that staff are taking extra precautions to keep patients safe.

“We continue to screen all who enter, practice social distancing, wear masks, and thoroughly clean our waiting areas and surfaces throughout the facility. It’s important that you receive safe care when you need it, and we’re here to make sure that happens,” said Kevin Sellheim, SEMC Administrator. “Patients shouldn’t delay necessary care in fear of their safety; we’re committed to keeping SEMC a clean, safe environment for all.”

In turn, patients play an important role in protecting themselves and others during hospital and clinic visits. To prepare for an upcoming appointment, SEMC asks patients to review facility safety procedures prior to visiting: https://semedicalcenter.org/committed-to-your-safe-care/.