To the first child death of the flu season in Minnesota.

Health officials on Thursday announced a Minnesota child has died from the flu, bringing the total number of people who have died in the state from the flu so far this season to 31.

A total of 95 people died of the flu last season.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, there are many things you can do to protect yourself and others from the flu, including the following:

• Get vaccinated

• Avoid being around others who are sick

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your sleeve.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Protect infants by not exposing them to large crowds or sick family members

• Do not share drinking cups and straws

• Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces.

 

To Blue Zones Project Albert Lea.

Congratulations to the Blue Zones Project of Albert Lea and the Albert Lea community for being named as a finalist in the 2020 Sharecare Awards, a competition that promotes and rewards excellence for the best productions and programming in health and well-being.

The Blue Zones Project is being recognized for its community-wide approach to tobacco policy, which through multiple efforts with many organizations reduced the adult smoking rates by 7%.

Winners will be announced March 26.

 

To Albert Lea basketball player Sam Skarstad.

Congratulations to Albert Lea High School girls’ basketball player Sam Skarstad, who scored her 1,000th point Friday night in the team’s game against Faribault.

Skarstad, a senior, is now part of an exclusive club among basketball players in the area who have reached this achievement during their high school careers.

Outside of basketball, Skarstad also has played tennis and softball and has been a part of the track and field team.

Congratulations on a job well done.