North Shore Health is actively taking precautionary steps to prevent Coronavirus (COVID-19) in its setting. While much about the virus is still unknown, older persons with underlying medical conditions are at greater risk for the most serious forms of infection associated with this new disease.

Effective immediately, North Shore Health will restrict visitors to North Shore Living (Care Center) and Inpatient Hospital area, with the exception of compassionate care circumstances. This action is being taken based upon revised recommendations of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and to combat the spread of the disease and protect the health and welfare of our residents, patients and staff.

“The health and wellness of our residents, patients and the caregiving teams who support themis our number one priority,” said Kimber Wraalstad, Administrator. “To help save lives and reduce severe illnesses, we will be implementing these restrictions effective immediately.”

“We encourage loved ones to communicate with our residents and patients in other ways and our Activities Department is committed to helping with video chats or telephone calls,” saidWraalstad. “These precautions are vital to helping us avoid and minimize the possible spread ofthis virus. We also are committed to staying in contact with family members to update them onany news, emerging issues, or changes in our regular operations.”

North Shore Health is staying abreast of the latest information from the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and working with state and local public health and emergency preparedness officials to strengthen our preparation for a possible outbreak of Coronavirus.

Detailed and specific plans are already in place for a wide range of emergencies and are being updated and evaluated as new information becomes available, and we are working closely with other health care providers in our community to help ensure the health and safety of all.

“As we navigate this challenge, we remain focused on providing exceptional care and services for our patients and residents,” Wraalstad added.