From Sawtooth Mountain Clinic - October 23, 2020

A Sawtooth Mountain Clinic (SMC) staff member has tested positive for Covid-19. The facility has worked closely with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to conduct case investigation and contact tracing. The results of this investigation show that any interactions with patients or other SMC staff are considered “low-risk exposures”. This means those who have accessed the clinic recently are not at heightened risk for contracting Covid-19, nor

do they need to take any special action.

“The entire SMC staff has been diligent in following all MDH recommendations,”

stated Sawtooth Mountain Clinic CEO Kate Surbaugh. “Staff are screened daily for

symptoms, stay home when ill and wear the required personal protective

equipment. All these precautions create an effective system to protect staff and

others from infection. SMC is vigorously reviewing its existing protocols to ensure

that we continue to provide a safe environment for patients. The safety of patients,

staff and community are our highest priority.”

Given the robust precautions in place, SMC staff continue to encourage community

members to seek needed health care. “We are here to meet the needs of the

community, no matter what. We have a variety of tools at our disposal, including

telehealth, to ensure that you are getting the care you need as safely as possible,”

said Surbaugh.

As case counts increase both in our county and across the State, SMC staff

encourages all community members to continue to practice physical distancing,

wear a mask, stay home if you are sick and practice hand hygiene. If you feel ill,

even mildly so, please do not hesitate to call Sawtooth Mountain Clinic nurses at

218-387-2330. We are here with you, together through life.

Erin Watson

Sawtooth Mountain Clinic

218-387-2330