Hand-washing stations placed throughout downtown Minneapolis amid COVID-19 pandemic

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There are now 10 hand-washing stations placed throughout downtown Minneapolis as the community works to fight the spread of COVID-19. Credit: DID

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Downtown Minneapolis now has 10 hand-washing stations placed throughout the city, the Mpls Downtown Improvement District announced Tuesday. The move comes as cities across the world work to stop the spread of COVID-19.

According to a release, the dual-sink units will include water, soap and paper towels. Stations can be found along Hennepin/1st Avenues, Nicollet, and between 4th and 5th Streets. Locations are subject to change.

10 hand-washing stations were placed throughout downtown Minneapolis.

Officials said that having publicly-accessible handwashing stations is a policy priority expressed by the Minneapolis City Council’s resolution during declared emergencies.

Minnesota now has at least 250 cases of COVID-19, as health officials remind residents to follow social distancing guidelines and wash their hands often.

Tips on washing your hands to reduce spreading germs

Amid the coronavirus outbreak, health officials are advising people to be sure to wash your hands. Follow these tips to help reduce the spread.

The Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 hotline for health questions is also open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The number to call is 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE SICK

MDH says if you have symptoms of a respiratory disease (such as fever, coughing, muscle aches, sore threat and headache) you should stay home for at least seven days and at least three days with without a fever (without fever-reducing medicine).

If you have symptoms and can manage those symptoms at home, MDH said you do not have to seek health care or be tested for COVID-19. Just stay home if you are sick. If your symptoms worsen, if possible, call ahead before going into your health care provider.

ABOUT COVID-19

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spread primarily by respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza is spread. It can also spread when people touch surfaces that have been contaminated by an infected person and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, patients with confirmed COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms including fever, cough and shortness of breath. Some patients have had other symptoms including muscle aches, headache, sore throat or diarrhea.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

The CDC and MDH recommend Minnesotans do the following to protect themselves and others and limit the spread of COVID-19: