Revised May 13, 2020 at 2:53 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: No Visitors Currently Permitted

For the safety of staff and patients, SEMC has implemented a no visitor policy as of March 27, 2020. Compassionate exceptions will be granted on a case-by-case basis, including births and end-of-life care, following a screening process. No visitors under the age of 18, however, will be allowed. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time.4.) Cancelling, Postponing and/or Limiting Upcoming Events

For a complete list of cancellations and postponements, click here.

5.) Temporarily Closing Morgan and Comfrey Clinic Locations; Discontinuing Saturday Morning and Monday Evening Urgent Care

The Sleepy Eye Clinic will be remain open Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1:30 - 5 p.m. For appointments, call 507-794-3691 during regular business office hours, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. In addition, the Emergency Department is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

6.) 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 as well as recent travel domestically or internationally--especially to South Korea, Japan, China, Italy, Iran or the continent of Europe--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.

Caring for Yourself at Home

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.

Properly Clean & Disinfect

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.

Handwashing Tips

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.