Your safety

Your safety

Masks may be required

Wearing a mask in our clinics and hospitals is optional for most patients and visitors as of April 18, 2023.

However, we may ask you to wear a mask in certain situations and settings for your protection or the protection of others. If you are coming in for care and also have a recent COVID-19 exposure, cough, runny nose, sore throat or fever, please wear a mask. 

COVID-19 testing

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.

View evaluation options

Your safety is our top priority. We continue to take every precaution to safeguard your health and reduce the spread of COVID-19:

  • We have expanded our options for virtual care. With everything from primary care to mental health visits, you can get much of the care you need from home.
  • You should know that our hospitals set the bar for hospital cleanliness, with the Minnesota Hospital Association recommending our pre-COVID-19 cleaning standards to hospitals throughout the state.
  • Our already high standards of clean have been enhanced throughout our facilities, with deep cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces and public spaces.
  • All patients and visitors are screened before entering our facilities. Anyone who may have symptoms of COVID-19 is taken to a separate area.
  • Hand sanitizer is located all building entrances to encourage hand hygiene for all staff, patients and visitors.

How to spot the symptoms of COVID-19

COVID-19 symptoms may appear between 2 and 14 days after exposure to the virus. The most common symptoms are:

Fever icon

Fever

Cough icon

Cough

Shortness of breath icon

Shortness of breath

However, these aren’t the only symptoms of COVID-19. Some people experience other symptoms:

  • fatigue (tiredness)
  • muscle or body aches
  • headache
  • new loss of taste or smell
  • sore throat
  • congestion or runny nose
  • nausea or vomiting
  • diarrhea

If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, including but not limited to the following, please call 911:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or seeming “out of it”
  • Bluish lips or face

What to do if you may have coronavirus

  • Please isolate yourself at home.
  • If you believe you may have coronavirus, learn more about your care options.
  • Wash your hands often throughout the day. Use soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Throw away used tissues and wash your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are touched frequently. Use regular household cleaning spray or wipe. Follow instructions on the package.

How does COVID-19 spread?

icon social distancing

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.

COVID-19 information in other languages

Source: MN Department of Health