No Visitor Policy as of November 9, 2020
For the safety of staff and patients, SEMC has implemented a no visitor policy as of November 9, 2020.
Revised September 11, 2020 at 1:32 p.m.
The health of patients and staff is our top priority, and we appreciate the trust you place in us to care for you and your family. Our health care team is working closely with state, government and health officials to keep you safe. We encourage you take make healthy choices during this time and stay informed as cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) increase across the state and globally.
How We're Protecting Patients and Staff
At this time, we're taking the following steps to conserve resources and protect patients and staff:
1.) Asking Individuals with COVID-19 Symptoms or Exposure to Call Ahead
If you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed, please call before you visit:
- Call your healthcare provider or Sleepy Eye Medical Center, 507-794-3691.
- You may also call the Minnesota Department of Health Hotline, 651-201-3920, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
2.) Expanding On-site Testing (as of 4/24/2020)
Those who have COVID-19 symptoms or those who are asymptomatic but may be contacts of infected patients are instructed to call SEMC at 507-794-3691 for a provider appointment. Appointments are available from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Results typically take up to 72 hours. Turnaround times may vary as testing increases.
3.) Taking Steps to Keep Patients Safe as SEMC Resumes Procedures and Services (as of 5/13/2020)
Please read the following information prior to your upcoming visit at SEMC. Your cooperation is appreciated and will help keep you and others safe!
What to Expect at Your Upcoming Appointment
4.) Implementing Visitor Restrictions (Updated July 6, 2020)
As of July 6, 2020, only one consistent visitor is allowed per patient per day at Sleepy Eye Medical Center Hospital and Clinics. Pediatric patients (under the age of 18) will be allowed two legal guardian/parent visitors. Visitors under the age of 18 will not be allowed.
*Visitors must pass SEMC's COVID-19 screening process to visit a patient.
Click Here to Read More About SEMC's Updated Visitor Guidelines
5.) Cancelling, Postponing and/or Limiting Upcoming Events
For a complete list of cancellations and postponements, click here.
6.) Temporarily Discontinuing Monday Evening Urgent Care
The Sleepy Eye Clinic is open Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1:30 - 5 p.m. Saturday morning Urgent Care (9 a.m. to noon) will resume services on Saturday, September 12. The Morgan Clinic is open on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Comfrey Clinic will remain temporarily closed until further announced. For appointments in Sleepy Eye or Morgan, call 507-794-3691 during regular business office hours, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. In addition, the SEMC Emergency Department is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
7.) Offering Online Clinic Visits
This is a safe and effective method to deliver care to patients at a time when health experts recommend contact avoidance and social distancing. If you currently have an appointment scheduled, SEMC will contact you if they feel a virtual visit is appropriate. Providers and nurses intend to utilize this tool when possible in an effort to keep patients and staff healthy and safe. Learn more.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus that has not been found in people before.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
Any possible exposures should be considered. Infected individuals may not experience symptoms but can still spread the illness.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, follow the steps below to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community.
- Call ahead before visiting your provider. For Sleepy Eye Medical Center, please call 507-794-3691.
- Get tested.
- Stay home, except to get emergent medical care.
- Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home.
- Have any housemates limit contact with others.
- Have the same support person (friend or family member) deliver supplies, groceries, etc. in an effort to limit those who come in contact with you.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes. Throw away used tissues immediately.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not readily available.
- Avoid sharing personal household items.
- Clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day with disinfectant.
- Monitor your symptoms and follow any instructions from your provider and/or health officials.
Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19.
How does the virus spread?
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person:
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
How can I protect myself and my loved ones from COVID-19?
You can protect yourself and others by taking the following steps:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not readily available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Avoid close contact, especially with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, limit close contact with others as much as possible.
- Stay home if you’re sick, except to get medical care.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
Where can I get the latest and most accurate information on COVID-19?
We encourage you to refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for accurate, current information on the coronavirus: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html. The Minnesota Department of Health is also a reliable source of information: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html. Psychological first aid resources and support may also be accessed on these sites.
SEMC Begins Giving COVID-19 Vaccine to Staff, Offers Guidance to Community
Initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are being distributed to Sleepy Eye Medical Center staff this week. Some of the first to receive the vaccine include SEMC providers and hospital and clinic nurses. “We will vaccinate additional employees in the coming weeks as shipments arrive,” said Kevin Sellheim, SEMC Administrator. “There are limited doses in […]
SEMC Opens Annex Building for COVID-19 Testing
Beginning the week of December 21, Sleepy Eye Medical Center will perform COVID-19 tests in a new annex laboratory building, located on the north side of the facility, near the Elm Street emergency entrance to the parking lot. The annex, built by Stimpert Homes, will serve as a warm, comfortable testing location during the winter […]
SEMC Urges Community to Wear Masks
As of July 25, 2020, per the Governor’s Executive Order 20-81, people in Minnesota are required to wear a face covering in all indoor businesses and public indoor spaces, unless alone. Sleepy Eye Medical Center supports masking and urges the public to take the mandate seriously in an effort to reduce the risk of infection. […]
Updated Hospital and Clinic Visitor Guidelines
As of July 6, 2020, only one consistent visitor is allowed per patient per day at Sleepy Eye Medical Center Hospital and Clinics. Pediatric patients (under the age of 18) will be allowed two legal guardian/parent visitors. Details to this policy are outlined below. Hospital Visiting Hours 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. *Note: Hospital visitor […]