by John McLoone

Washington County has been averaging about 250 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 a day in the last couple weeks as the pandemic surge affects the area, forcing schools to go virtual and Gov. Tim Waltz to act to place new restrictions as hospitals have expressed concern about capacity to treat Minnesotans with COVID-19.

The restrictions started Friday and applied to social gatherings, celebrations and receptions, as well as bars and restaurants. Waltz said those are the most significant sources of COVID-19 outbreaks across the state.

“Since the beginning of this pandemic, we’ve asked Minnesotans to make unprecented sacrifices for the greater good, and they’ve done it. Because when times are tough, Minnesotans pull together,” said Gov. Waltz.

Social settings were targeted because research shows that the virus is being disproportionately spread by younger adults between the ages of 18-35. As a result, social settings which Waltz said attracts a younger crowd are the most significant sources of COVID-19 spread in the state. He pointed to statistics that 70 percent of all COVID-19 outbreaks in the state from June to November have a direct link to weddings, private social gathering and “late nights at bars and restaurants.”

Under the new rules, bars and restaurants must end dine-in service between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., and indoor capacity is capped at 150 people. Capacity can’t exceed 50 percent of the establishment’s total capacity. Bar counter service is closed for seating “These restrictions follow research that shows these environments become more risky later in the evening,” the statement from the governor’s office reads.

And, all social gatherings will have a 10-person limit, whether indoor or outdoor. All social gatherings also are limited to three households or less.

There will be no effect on religious services “since data has not shown a connection between religious services and the recent increase in outbreaks,” according to the governor’s office.

“Minnesota is in a dangerous phase of the pandemic with a dramatic jump in new cases,” said Commissioner of Health Jan Malcom. “We’ve seen in other states how bad things can get when you have this kind of growth.”

That growth in cases is evident in Washington County and, closer to home, in Cottage Grove.

Overall in Washington County, COVID-19 cases are closing on the 10,000 mark, a milestone Public Health never wanted to see. As of the most recent numbers, Washington County has had 9,712 positive cases of COVID-19, and 461 of those have required hospitalization. Of those, 118 have required visits to intensive care, and 90 deaths have been related to the virus.

The median age of the Washington County COVID-19 case is 38, and the median age of those who have died is 83.

Cottage Grove has the second most positive COVID-19 cases in Washington County, with 1,287 confirmed as of last Friday. Woodbury, however, has nearly doubled the Cottage Grove total with 2,379. St. Paul Park has seen 196 positive COVID-19 cases, and Newport has had 156.

On Thursday, Washington County announced that it was embarking on a CO VID-19 safety messaging campain called “Face this Together.” The campaign reiterates and emphasizes the importance of washing hands, wearing a mask and physically distancing.

Lowell Johnson, Washington County director of the Department of Public Health & Environment, said, “As we carry on, it is important to base our decisions on facts, not rumors, and science and evidence must guide our actions.”

The messages will be shared through social media, billboards, public service announcements, posters, and emails.

A website has been set up to get the message across: facethistogetherwc.com.

Johnson urged residents to do all they can to work together to fight the pandemic.

“The pandemic has affected our daily lives in many ways, but as a county, as a community and as neighbors, we’re responding to it with strength, with resiliency and understanding,” he said.

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“It’s important to base our decisions on facts, not rumors, and science and evidence must guide our actions.”

He said that points to hand-washing, social distancing and masking to fight COVID-19.

You’re protecting your loved ones, your friends, your neighbors and yourself As a community, we can face this together,” he said.

COVID-19 testing in Washington County is done in a partnership with the City of Cottage Grove. Testing is done each Monday at the Environmental Center in Woodbury (4039 Cottage Grove Dr.) from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Mondays. Appointments need to be made on the county website: https://www. co.washington.mn.us/CivicAlerts. aspx?AID=3126.

Make the appointment early, though. Testing for the Nov. 16 session filled up fast.

Contact tracing has helped Washington County determine the settings in which COVID-19 has been spread.

This graph shows cases of COVID-19 by community in Washington County.