St. Cloud Sun

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Stearns County declared a state of emergency on March 19, which put a number of limitations on social interactions throughout the area. 

According to SC Times, the county board voted on March 19 to declare a state of emergency and pause future board meetings. 

The decision to declare the state of emergency means that the county closed its Administration Building, West Service Center and Melrose Annex to the public and the License Centers and Treasurer’s Office closed to foot traffic. 

Stearns County had confirmed three to five cases of COVID-19 as of March 18, but this number of confirmed cases likely means that there are more individuals who will soon come forward with symptoms. 

Stearns County Public Health Division Director Renee Frauendienst advised the public that there were likely two to five additional cases for every diagnosed case. She also cautioned the general public to act as if they have the virus if they are experiencing fever, cough or shortness of breath. 

Frauendienst also said that social distancing is one of the best approaches to take to help slow the spread. 

Similarly, on March 19, the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office decided that they would close to the public until further notice. 

According to KNSI Radio, the Law Enforcement Center lobby would be closed to the public Monday through Friday except for individuals who wanted to submit gun permit applications on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

These applicants should be sure to have all of their paperwork with them as well as the appropriate fee in cash or check and identification. 

Other requests must be completed over the phone at 320-259-3700 or by email at sheriff.records@co.stearns.mn.us.