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Coronavirus (COVID-19): What You Need to Know

March 13, 2020  /   Coronavirus, Press Releases  /   4-minute read

Welia Health is working closely with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) who are monitoring the situation and providing guidance to all healthcare organizations. Welia Health will follow guidelines from the MDH and the CDC.

When there is a threat of a disease that could cause a surge of patients, each individual hospital increases its preparedness and coordination activities. Hospitals and health systems throughout the state are working together to prepare for a surge of patients.

Welia Health is prepared to:

  • Screen, identify potential patients, and isolate and care for patients.
  • Handle patient questions at its clinics, hospital and emergency department
  • Share information from the Minnesota Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease and Prevention
  • Provide hospitalization for those who require acute or ICU care, including people with underlying medical conditions
  • Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect health care workers

Our hospital and healthcare providers are trained to manage infectious diseases including new infectious diseases like coronavirus (COVID-19).


Individuals concerned about Coronavirus

Individuals concerned about symptoms should call the Minnesota Department of Health’s COVID-19 Hotline at 651.201.3920 or 1.800.657.3903, or their Welia Health primary care provider at 320.679.1313.

When patients arrive at our facility, they can expect to see signs and be asked if they have respiratory symptoms, are currently sick, or have recently traveled internationally.


Facts about Coronavirus

What is Coronavirus?

According to the CDC, the Coronavirus is a respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China. Click here for additional history on the source of the virus.

How does the virus spread?

Current understanding about how the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads is largely based on what is known about similar coronaviruses.

  • 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)
    • Via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
    • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
  • Spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects is possible but is not the primary way the virus spreads.
  • It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, however, this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may start 2-14 days following exposure.

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

Should I be tested?

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, or have recently traveled from an area with the spread of COVID-19, please call your provider so they can determine the best course of action for you. Your provider will determine if testing for the COVID-19 is required. Results typically take 48 hours for confirmation; and if the test is positive, he/she will determine next steps.

What treatment is available?

There is no specific antiviral treatment available for COVID-19. People with a COVID-19 positive result should follow his/her provider recommendations.

What can I do for prevention?

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, for 20 seconds- after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing.
    • Hand sanitizer does work, if soap and water aren’t available, use a product with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Clean surfaces that are frequently touched using regular household cleaning wipes or sprays.

Remember the most up-to-date information will be from:
Minnesota Department of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Welia Health will provide updates at WeliaHealth.com/coronavirus. Please check back often.

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