How We Are Preparing for the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Sleepy Eye Medical Center is working closely with state and local health officials to protect staff and patients from COVID-19.

At this time, we are:

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.) Implementing Visitor Restrictions

Sleepy Eye Medical Center is no longer allowing visitors within our facilities in Sleepy Eye, Morgan and Comfrey. We’ve implemented these restrictions for the safety of patients, staff and community. Visitors impacted by this policy include friends and family of patients, students, volunteers, and non-essential vendors. Exceptions may be made for patients under certain circumstances.

3.) Cancelling, postponing and/or limiting upcoming events.

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

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
And/or have visited South Korea, Japan, China, Italy, Iran, the continent of Europe, or were exposed to someone with COVID-19

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.
Stay home, except to get medical care.
Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home.
Wear a facemask, if available, if you are sick.
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.
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. If possible, put on a facemask before emergency medical services arrive.

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.

What You Need to Know About COVID-19