With the safety of our patients, staff and visitors as our top priority, Allina Health announced that COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all employees. To learn more, watch an interview with John Misa, MD, vice president and clinical officer.
All patients, visitors and staff – regardless of vaccination status – must wear masks at all times in Allina Health facilities.
With our enhanced precautions and virtual care options, take comfort in knowing that we're ready to safely care for you whenever you need us.
Expanded virtual care
Separation for COVID-19
Patient and visitor screening
Physical distancing
Everyone wears a mask
Highest standards of clean
Because COVID-19 has similar symptoms to flu, strep and other illnesses, the first step to testing is an evaluation at a virtual or in-person visit.
Even your most familiar routines, like going to the doctor, can seem unsettling right now. That’s why we want to reassure you about the care you’ll receive at Allina Health.
Your safety has always been our top priority. We continue to take every precaution to safeguard your health and reduce the spread of COVID-19:
[SOFT MUSIC PLAYING] Hello. I'm Melissa Showers, clinic manager with Allina Health. We've been receiving a lot of questions about our facilities. To help folks feel more comfortable, I'm excited to share some details about our safe care commitment and the changes we've made to increase your safety and reduce the spread of COVID-19. Before we go inside, let's put on our masks.
Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by a safe care greeter. They'll ask you some questions and be sure you don't have any COVID-19 symptoms. Any patient with COVID-19 symptoms will be isolated immediately and cared for in a separate area.
Because patient safety and well-being are Allina Health's top priorities, all employees will be wearing masks. For your safety and the safety of our staff and other patients, we ask that you wear a mask for your entire visit. We will provide you with a mask if you do not have one.
We have hand sanitizer at all of our entrances. And our staff are using the proper PPE. Clinic staff will be wearing masks or respirators, eye protection, such as face shields or glasses, and other personal protective equipment. The specific equipment they wear is dependent on the role and the location.
Allina's already high standards of cleanliness have been enhanced for your safety. High-touch surfaces in public areas are deep cleaned and disinfected regularly.
You can see that many changes have been made to our welcome area to practice physical distancing. Floor markers will remind you to stay at least six feet apart while waiting for check-in. Plexiglas shields or extended spacing have been added between you and the check-in staff. Seating has been rearranged so you will not be in close contact with other patients. You may also have the option to wait in your car.
We have removed magazines, books, and toys from our welcome area and exam rooms to keep you safe. We made changes to our scheduling to minimize patient wait time and decrease patient delays and overlap.
Let me take you back to our exam room area. Our already high standards of clean have been enhanced for your safety. Rooms and instruments are thoroughly cleaned between patients, following our cleaning procedures and protocols.
As usual, when we enter a room, everyone does proper hand hygiene. Your care team will be wearing masks and other protective equipment, such as face shields, gowns, and gloves. They may communicate with you using your personal electronic device before entering the room.
If you need an interpreter, this service will be offered electronically instead of in-person. Please talk with your nurse or doctor if you have questions or concerns.
Your health and safety are the top priorities of your health care team today and every day. Whether you choose to see us in person or virtually, we are here to care for you.
COVID-19 symptoms may appear between 2 and 14 days after exposure to the virus. The most common symptoms are:
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
However, these aren’t the only symptoms of COVID-19. Some people experience other symptoms:
If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, including but not limited to the following, please call 911:
The coronavirus spreads from person-to-person. When people are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), the virus can spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
The droplets can enter the mouths or noses of people who are nearby and then enter the lungs when they’re inhaled. Recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may even be spread by people who don’t show any symptoms.
Source: MN Department of Health