Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates & FAQs

Based on new guidelines released by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on March 9, Winona Health is expanding the criteria for its walk-in clinic on Thursday, March 11 beginning at 8 a.m…. Learn more…

Beginning Monday, February 15, Winona Health’s COVID testing location and walk-in hours are changing. COVID-19 testing walk-in hours will be Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Those who are coming in for testing should use the Winona Clinic entrance… Learn more…

Due to Influenza and COVID-19, visitation is limited to ONE visitor per patient (identified by the patient)… Learn more…

Winona Health follows the guidelines and priority phases for vaccine administration as defined by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Center for Disease Control (CDC). The vaccine is still in short supply, and as more becomes available, everyone who wants the vaccine will have an opportunity to get vaccinated. Learn more…

As your community health care provider, we are glad so many of you want to get vaccinated. Winona Health follows the guidelines and priority phases as defined by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) for vaccine administration. Currently, the vaccine is in short supply. As vaccine becomes available, everyone who wants the vaccine will have an opportunity to get vaccinated. Learn more…

We understand that many people are eager to receive the covid vaccine and we are looking forward to having more vaccine coming to our community to ensure that any patients and community members who want to be vaccinated can be. The recent announcement on January 14 by MDH regarding expanding access was good news, however, it is also dependent on having the vaccine in hand. Here is an update on the status of the vaccination rollout (as of January 15, 2021): Learn more…

Healthcare providers at Winona Health remind community members that while waiting for results of a COVID-19 test, they should avoid contact with others. If people waiting for their results venture into the community or have in-person visits, they are at risk of spreading the virus. Learn more…

State, local health officials offering free COVID-19 testing in Winona on September 15-16 Testing is free and open to all, with or without symptoms.

The Minnesota Department of Health is partnering with local public health officials and higher education institutions in Winona to offer free COVID-19 testing on Tuesday, September 15 and Wednesday, September 16. (read more)

MDH has released an updated one-page patient education fact sheet called What to Do While You Wait for a COVID-19 Test Result that can be handed out or sent digitally to patients at the time of their test. Providers can find it under the “Home Care Instructions” section of the MDH Evaluating and Testing: COVID-19 webpage. The fact sheet is also translated in 11 languages. Hospitals and health systems are welcome to use the content from the fact sheet on their own branded patient education materials if preferred.

MDH hopes providers can use this resource to help reinforce the message that people should stay home while waiting for test results. The fact sheet also provides some basic information for how long people need to stay home if they have symptoms and are positive, as well as how long people who have a known exposure need to stay home even if they do not have symptoms and get a negative test result.

When should you be tested for COVID-19 (PCR/Swab Test)? How often should you be tested for COVID-19? Here are the guidelines for all workers except people who work in healthcare for staying home and returning to the workplace. ( read more )

Due to Influenza and Coronavirus, visitor restrictions are in effect throughout the hospital. Visitation is strictly limited to one person only until further notice. Children under the age of 12 are NOT allowed. Please do not visit if you have a cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, or do not feel well.

Visitor restrictions in effect throughout the clinics. Clinic patients are encouraged to come to appointments ALONE; however, if needed, one support person may accompany you to your appointment. If an infant or very young child has an appointment, both parents will be allowed to accompany the infant/child to their appointment. Please do not ACCOMPANY anyone if you have a cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, or do not feel well.

Remember, washing your hands for at least 20 seconds, covering your cough, and the practice of physical distancing are helpful in preventing the spread of Influenza and Coronavirus. Thank you!

One of our Lake Winona Manor staff members has tested positive for COVID-19. Residents and their family members were notified when we learned of this on May 19. Some community members have had questions, and we want to be sure accurate information is available. (read more)

There are two COVID-19 laboratory tests available at Winona Health: the COVID-19 PCR test and the Serology IgG Antibody test. At this time, testing is done on all patients coming in with symptoms of COVID-19, asymptomatic patients who have been exposed to a positive COVID-19 person, all patients admitted to Winona Health, all patients having surgery at Winona Health, and expecting mothers at 36 weeks gestation. The criteria has expanded given our ability to obtain more test kits.

Winona Health is offering antibody (serology) testing (for the IgG antibody). Provided they have not had this test within the past 14 days, anyone wanting this test should use the Winona Clinic entrance and let the staff know that they are there for the COVID-19 antibody test. The patient will then be directed to have their blood drawn for this test and their insurance will be billed. The cost is $89. The test results will be called to the patient within three days following the blood sample collection. We ask that all people coming in for testing wear a mask. Antibody tests will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis. (learn more)

Hours of Operation (subject to change):
• Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon
• Closed Sundays and holidays
• Closed Memorial Day (Monday, May 25, 2020)

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported—ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:
• Fever
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. See Symptoms of Coronavirus at CDC.gov for more information.

To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, we are asking patients to bring (and wear at all times while at Winona Health) a homemade or cloth mask to upcoming appointments.

See CDC guidelines for masks and tips for making cloth face coverings. (learn more)

Winona Health President/CEO, Rachelle Schultz, EdD, gives an overview of the organizational adjustments being made at Winona Health in preparation for the anticipated COVID-19 positive patient surge. (watch it)

Winona Health President/CEO, Rachelle Schultz, EdD, gives more detail and updates on Winona Health’s preparedness as a hospital. (watch it)

Beginning Monday, April 6, through April 30, clinic appointments at Winona Health will be scheduled during morning hours only and the clinic will close at noon. Those who have appointments scheduled during afternoon hours in April will be contacted about rescheduling. (read more)

Less than three weeks ago, our lives changed in ways we did not imagine. On Wednesday, March 11 the World Health Organization announced the coronavirus as a pandemic. On Thursday, March 12, we launched our Incident Command structure at Winona Health. Since that day, we have spent nearly every moment focused on preparing for the effects of this pandemic in our community. New information on the virus, new restrictions on movement, and ongoing work to shore-up resources play into our planning and readiness efforts. (read more)

Winona Health President/CEO, Rachelle Schultz, EdD, proposes a community ask and explains the Stay-at-Home model. (watch it)

Two positive COVID-19 test results have been confirmed in the Winona community. What does that mean? Winona Health President/CEO, Rachelle Schultz, EdD, explains what having positive test results means compared to before we had any confirmations. (watch it)

How prepared is our community hospital for this pandemic? Winona Health President/CEO, Rachelle Schultz, EdD, discusses hospital preparedness and how Winona Health has been working specifically on increasing the number of negative pressure rooms. (watch it)

More tests? Faster tests? If you have questions about COVID-19 testing, this is for you. Winona Health President/CEO, Rachelle Schultz, EdD, explains the ins and outs and the whys or why nots of testing for COVID-19 based on the latest information. (watch it)

To avoid all unnecessary exposure, no visitors will be allowed in the hospital with the exception of one person at a time for laboring moms and our patients needing comfort care. Those with clinic appointments are encouraged to come to their visit alone; if necessary, one support person may accompany them. (read more)

Community members who have specific concerns or questions about whether they should come in to Urgent Care with their symptoms can call Winona Health’s coronavirus nurse line at 507-457-7619, which is operational every day of the week from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. (read more)

Not everyone who is ill requires medical care. However, anyone who is ill should stay home unless they feel the need to seek medical care.

Employers are understandably concerned about their employees and how this pandemic is affecting their workforce. In an effort to reduce the spread of illness… (read more)

To protect patients and staff and in order to conserve personal protective equipment (PPE) and other necessary equipment, Winona Health and other health care organizations throughout the state are postponing elective surgeries and nonessential procedures. (read more)

Due to a national shortage of testing supplies, at this time laboratories will only test samples from critically ill patients in ICU (or emergency department patients awaiting ICU admission), critically ill long-term care patients, and healthcare/Emergency Medical Service workers who have signs and symptoms of coronavirus. (read more)

Patients who are coming in for Urgent Care due to cough, fever, shortness of breath and/or sore throat are asked to enter the clinic through the door on the side of the clinic, nearest the parking ramp. This will take them directly into the Urgent Care area of the clinic.

All other people seeking Urgent Care services or going to appointments or services in other areas should continue to use the clinic main entrance. People who have accessibility limitations should also continue to use the main entrance and ask for assistance. (read more)

Visitor limitations, which have been in place throughout the hospital, Lake Winona Manor and senior living residences due to influenza since January, have been further restricted. Lake Winona Manor, Adith Miller and Roger Metz Manors and Senior Living at Watkins are currently allowing only essential staff and support people into these areas.

Beginning Monday, March 16, and until further notice, everyone entering the Winona Clinic entrance will be asked coronavirus screening questions and directed to the appropriate clinic as determined. This change has been implemented to protect our patients, visitors, volunteers and staff. We appreciate your support as we work together to care for and protect our community.

People who are experiencing coronavirus or influenza symptoms, including fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath, are encouraged to use Winona Health SmartExam, a virtual care option, as an alternative to coming into the clinic. SmartExam is a safe, convenient and low-cost way to receive care, including addressing concerns about coronavirus. The SmartExam visit can be completed by using a computer or smartphone. Winona Health providers review the SmartExam information and respond within an hour. SmartExam visits are $39. For more information or to access SmartExam, visit winonahealth.org/smartexam.

As with the flu, the best way to prevent the spread of germs that cause coronavirus is to:

• wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds
• stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care
• clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue -then throw the tissue in the trash
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• avoid close contact with people who are sick
• avoid unnecessary travel and crowded locations (social distancing)

Winona Health is continuously updating its website to provide a resource for up-to-date and reliable coronavirus links and information along with answers to frequently asked questions. Resources include:

• The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH): www.health.state.mn.us
• MDH COVID-19 public hotline, open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday: 651-201-3920
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: www.cdc.gov
• Winona Health coronavirus line: 507-474-5654

(Call and leave a message with your question and your question with a response will be included on the Winona Health website.)

Winona Health staff is prepared to face any challenges this new virus may present, including ensuring the appropriate level of care to patients while protecting providers, staff and the community.

For more information about coronavirus and links to up-to-date, reliable information, visit: winonahealth.org. Those who have questions related to coronavirus are encouraged to call 507.474.5654. Winona Health will continuously update its website as new information emerges.

Given the new recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lake Winona Manor, Adith Miller and Roger Metz Manors and Senior Living at Watkins are currently under visitor and vendor restrictions. Only essential staff and supports are allowed to enter into these areas. We appreciate your assistance with keeping our residents safe during this time. Thank you!

Coronavirus (or COVID-19) is a respiratory illness and its symptoms are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Given that it is also influenza season, these symptoms are very common.

As with influenza, the best way to prevent the spread of germs that cause Coronavirus is to:

• wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds
• avoid close contact with people who are sick
• stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care
• cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

By taking these actions, you can help reduce the chances of getting sick or spreading germs to others.

Winona Health is preparing to face any challenges this new virus may present.

People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Roll up your sleeves, Minnesota! Click the MDH vaccination timeline to learn who can get their vaccine now and who can get it soon.

The COVID-19 vaccine is still in short supply. Winona Health wants to ensure patients and community members know as much as possible about the COVID-19 vaccination process and to make getting vaccinated as easy as possible for everyone.

Winona Health continues to follow the priority phases for vaccine distribution as defined by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These phases consider age and underlying health conditions.

These are FAQs and the current answers as of February 12, 2021:
Q: When can I get the vaccine?
A: When there is enough vaccine supply for the priority group you are in and you receive a call notifying you that you can come in.

Q: How will I know when I can get the vaccine?
A: Due to the extreme short supply of vaccine, we are calling patients to let them know when a vaccine is available for them. Winona Health patients will be called before those who are not Winona Health patients.

Q: Will I be notified through the My Winona Health portal?
A: When the vaccine supply increases enough, we will begin using the My Winona Health portal to notify larger numbers of patients that vaccine is available and how to get your vaccine.

Q: Do I have to have a My Winona Health account to get a vaccine through Winona Health?
A:It is helpful, but not necessary, to have a My Winona Health account.

Q: What do I need to do to make sure I’m notified when there is a vaccine for me?
A: If you are a Winona Health patient, you do not need to do anything. You will be called. If you are not a Winona Health patient, you can call the COVID-19 Nurse Line 507.457.7619 to be placed on the COVID-19 Vaccine Wait List. OR, visit the Winona Health website: winonahealth.org and click the COVID-19 vaccination wait list button and complete a brief form. When there is enough vaccine for the priority group you are in, you will be notified.

Q: If I am not a Winona Health patient can I still get vaccinated at Winona Health?
A: Yes.

Q: If I am not a Winona Health patient, how can I make sure I’m notified when the vaccine is available for me?
A:Visit the Winona Health website: winonahealth.org and click the COVID-19 vaccination wait list button and complete a brief form. When vaccine is available for the priority group you are in, you will be notified.

Q: How can I be added to the wait list if I do not have access to the internet?
A: You may call Winona Health’s COVID-19 Nurse Line and select option #2, to be added to the Vaccine Wait List, by leaving your name, date of birth, and phone number. If you are a Winona Health patient, you do not need to be added to the wait list. You will be called.

Q: Do I have to keep adding myself to the waitlist?
A: No. Once you are added to the waitlist, you will remain on the list until you are notified that a vaccine is available for you. If you are a Winona Health patient, you do not need to be added to the wait list. You will be called.

For COVID-19 vaccine and testing information, visit Winona Health’s website: www.winonhealth.org. Other COVID-19 resources include: Minnesota Department of Health Winona County, www.co.winona.mn.us, and the City of Winona, www.cityofwinona.com.

Clinic patients are encouraged to come to their appointments alone. If absolutely necessary, one support person may accompany a patient to their appointment (for example, when the patient is a young child/infant). All persons coming in to the clinic (or hospital) will be screened to assure they are not symptomatic for COVID-19. The goal is to keep Winona Health’s environment including all patients, visitors, and staff as safe as possible.

Question
My family uses a cleaning service every two weeks. Two cleaning ladies come and clean the house, dust, vacuum clean, but also clean (and thus touch) surfaces (e.g., kitchen counter tops) with a cleaning spray/agent. Given what I have read about the spread of COVID-19, should I be concerned about the cleaning ladies maybe being carriers of the virus and spreading it to our house or family? They do touch many things, certainly much more than a door knob of course. Moreover, e. g., they do dust/clean the holding device for my electric tooth brush, sinks, and more. There are no occasions that we are physically close for the virus to spread it seems, i.e. we do not touch each other…we don’t even shake hands when they arrive or leave. Does the cleaning service potentially constitute a threat of transmitting the virus? In essence, should I cancel the service and thus minimize my exposure or am I overly cautious/exaggerating?

Answer
Great question! At this time, the recommendation from CDC and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is to avoid all unnecessary contact with others. The situation you describe would allow for the possibility of transmission of Coronavirus if someone who was infected (with our without symptoms) coughed, sneezed, or touched their eyes, nose, or mouth and then touched an item in your home. If you touched that item and then touched your own eyes, nose, or mouth, there is a possibility that the virus could be transmitted. You should consider factors such as whether the cleaning service employees wear masks and gloves while in your home, as well as the health status of you and your family members. While the cleaning service is helpful in disinfecting areas of your home, there is also a risk of bringing outside germs in which could potentially pose a threat of transmitting the Coronavirus, so you should discuss these risks and benefits and consider what is best to protect the health of yourself and your household at this time.

Yes! Here are the details…
Please know we are deeply touched by this generosity.

The CDC does not currently recommend the use of handmade masks as personal protective equipment for healthcare providers. However, we can put them to use in a variety of other ways to help protect our community from coronavirus. It is necessary that the material that is used is a high-quality, 100% cotton to ensure it protects in all the ways it needs to!

A recommended pattern is included in this link: https://www.instructables.com/id/AB-Mask-for-a-Nurse-by-a-Nurse/

If you’d like to make and donate masks, please:

1. Place the masks in a closed plastic bag and drop off in the box outside the Winona Health hospital entrance (the entrance next to the Emergency department) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This space is under video surveillance so your donation will be safe.
2. If you would like a receipt for your gift, please provide your name, address, and your estimate of the value, written legibly and place it inside the bag of masks.
3. We will launder the masks at Winona Health before they are used.

If you know of anyone with extra N95 masks, please consider requesting that, if possible, they be donated to Winona Health.

Our boundless gratitude for an abundance of generosity! We are grateful for all the community members who have connected with us to offer support to our healthcare providers and staff. It’s good to know we are here for you and you are here for us. We truly are all in this together.

Take care of one another,
Your family, friends and neighbors at Winona Health

To obtain a work note, please go to winonahealth.org and click on the COVID-19 Work Note in the coronavirus pop-up box to access this document. It can be downloaded and printed right from your computer.

Not all persons with coronavirus have a fever. The symptoms are cough, fever, shortness of breath and/or difficulty breathing. Staying home when sick, self-distancing, frequent hand washing, and being mindful about not touching your face are important ways to prevent the spread and containing the coronavirus even if you are not showing symptoms of illness.

Winona Health offers a virtual quick screening for coronavirus that you can access from any computer or mobile device by going to winonahealth.org and clicking on SmartExam.

Testing is reserved for those persons with signs and symptoms of coronavirus, who meet the travel criteria, and whose provider thinks testing is warranted. Based on your information, these persons would be at low risk for coronavirus exposure. The Minneapolis Airport would need to be contacted for their protocols.

Testing is only performed on those persons experiencing signs/symptoms of coronavirus (cough, fever, shortness of breath) and have met the travel criteria. If you do not have any signs/symptoms, you do not need to be tested and would not meet the criteria for testing. Please follow good cleaning practices, stay home if you are sick, wash your hands frequently, disinfect frequently used surfaces, etc. The MDH and CDC have great references for how you can protect yourself from COVID-19 and other infections.

Thank you for your question! It appears that you are experiencing symptoms consistent with an infectious process; however, you cannot be diagnosed through this phone Q & A process. Here are a few suggestions for you.

First of all, our SmartExam is available for use in screening for COVID-19 and you can access that through our website.

Secondly, our Urgent Care center providers are available and willing to see you and can determine if testing for COVID-19 is warranted. Please come in and see us if you are feeling ill and we will take great care of you.

One thing to keep in mind for testing is that Winona Health can collect the specimens for testing (if criteria are met) and then the specimen is sent off to the state and it is taking 3-6 days to get test results back at this time.

Good questions! The symptoms of coronavirus are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Generally those with underlying health conditions such as yours are at higher risk of getting sick from COVID-19. The CDC recommends watching for these warning signs:

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
CDC also recommends that if you are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, you should:

• Stock up on supplies.
• Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
• When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
• Avoid crowds as much as possible.
• Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
• During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.

Thank you for your question! The recommendation from the Minnesota Department of Health is that you are at low risk of exposure. This means that, as with all people, you should protect yourself by:

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• Avoiding the touching of your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap
• Staying home when you are sick
• Covering your cough and/or sneeze with a tissue
• Cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces that are frequently touched

Low risk also means that you do not need to self-isolate and that you can continue to go to work and get back to your typical activities.

Winona Health can collect specimens to send to the Minnesota Department of Health for testing. It takes 1-3 days to receive the results back from the state at this time. Testing is only ordered if the criteria for coronavirus infection has been met AND the provider determines testing is warranted.

The symptoms of coronavirus are fever, cough, and shortness of breath along with criteria related to travel to an affected geographical area or exposure to a lab-confirmed coronavirus person. If you are experiencing these symptoms, there are a few options available to you. The first option is the Winona Health SmartExam, which is an online exam with a link located on our website. You can click on the SmartExam link and be screened for coronavirus. You will be directed via the SmartExam to your next steps. The other option is to seek care in our Urgent Care for screening and possible testing. Testing is only ordered if the criteria for coronavirus infection has been met AND the provider determines testing is warranted.

At this time, there are no indications that a person should stay home from work unless a person meets the coronavirus criteria for symptoms and travel or if the person has other symptoms/illness that cause the person to miss work.

The symptoms of coronavirus are fever, cough, and shortness of breath along with criteria related to travel to an affected geographical area or exposure to a lab-confirmed coronavirus person. If you are experiencing these symptoms, there are a few options available to you. The first option is the Winona Health SmartExam, which is an online exam with a link located on our website. You can click on the SmartExam link and be screened for coronavirus. You will be directed via the SmartExam to your next steps. The other option is to seek care in our Urgent Care for screening and possible testing. Testing is only ordered if the criteria for coronavirus infection has been met AND the provider determines testing is warranted.

Starting Monday, March 16, patients will be screened at the clinic entrance and those with signs and symptoms or respiratory infection will be masked and directed to Urgent Care. For regularly scheduled appointments, patient will be directed to their appointment location. Patients needing Urgent Care that do not have symptoms of respiratory infection will be directed to Primary Care on the 2nd floor.

At this time, it is recommended to continue with scheduled appointments.

Winona Health can collect specimens that are then sent to the Minnesota Department of Health for testing. At this time it is taking 1-3 days to receive the results back.

No, at this time there is no option for Winona Health to purchase test kits. That said, Winona Health can collect the appropriate specimens and send the specimens to the state and testing will be done.

If an employee tests positive, that employee will need to self-isolate in his/her home if hospitalization is not required. CDC and MDH have great resources for good cleaning/disinfection practices that can help you keep your company and your people safe. A few of the basics are:

• Have employees stay home if they are sick (send employees home if they come to work and are sick).
• Practice good hygiene (stop handshaking, wash hands with soap and water, etc.).
• Disinfect surfaces OFTEN (including phones, keyboards, desks, etc.).
• Consider travel restrictions.

Please refer to the CDC website for more information and ideas on the best practices to put into place to protect yourself and your employees.

If you are experiencing signs and symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) and have been to an affected geographic area, you can come in to be seen in Urgent Care or use the Smart Exam option on the Winona Health website to be assessed for coronavirus. If the criteria for testing is met and your provider determines that testing is warranted, a specimen will be collected and sent to the Minnesota Department of Health for testing and resulting (it takes 24-72 hours to receive the result back from the state at this time).

At this time there is no specific recommendation to stock up on bottled water. Tap water, in most situations, can be used for drinking.

There is conflicting information out there related to this question. It is best to contact your primary care provider or the provider who prescribed your medication and work with that person directly to determine if a change of medication is warranted for your specific situation.

This is a great question! Thank you for posing it! Here are a few thoughts.

With COVID-19, it is important to self-isolate and avoid contact with all people. This can happen in any location (meaning either at school or at home). Current indications would be for students to stay where they are if possible (that is, unless the school closes or directs students otherwise).

What we are learning about this virus thus far, is that less than 2% of the time it does not co-infect with other viruses or bacteria. While strep throat is not necessarily a good thing, this would indicate that it would be relatively rare for a person to have both strep throat and coronavirus (however, it is still possible).

If testing is ordered, the specimens (required nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs) are collected here at Winona Health, and then sent to the Minnesota Department of Health for the actual testing. It does take 1-3 days for the results to be available. If the person is not sick enough to warrant hospitalization, the person is sent home with instructions to self-isolate and follow the CDC recommendations for care at home. Others should maintain a safe distance of about 6 feet from those with signs/symptoms of coronavirus or other contagious illnesses.

Please let the University Health Service know of this situation so as to provide support at the school if/when needed.

Testing is done when signs and symptoms of coronavirus (fever, cough, shortness of breath) are present, travel criteria are met or if your primary care provider determines it is necessary to test for COVID-19. If you feel you meet these criteria, you can call your primary care provider for more information and/or to schedule an appointment. If you feel you are having severe or life threatening symptoms and need immediate care, please go directly to the Emergency Department, which is open at all times. Please be aware that if coronavirus testing is ordered, it is taking 1-3 days to get the results from the state of Minnesota.