COVID-19 Updates and Vaccine Info

MLHS COVID RESPONSE PLAN

Please visit our COVID-19 vaccine information page to learn more about vaccinations and 3rd dose/boosters.

TESTING

Mille Lacs Health System is not able to do community-wide testing. There are specific times for testing and these are not done on a walk-in basis; you must have an appointment, and these are only done in our Onamia clinic. Please call 320-532-3154, our main number, to inquire about COVID testing. You can also go to this site and find a community testing center closest to you: Minnesota COVID response.

Here is the most updated information on testing recommendations, from the MDH: COVID testing recommendations

 

Updated information regarding testing communications from the MDH, 12.7.21

Minnesotans who test positive for COVID-19 will get a text from Minnesota Department of Health to the number they gave when they got tested. The text asks for an email address to send important health information about how long to stay home and when it is safe to return to work, school, or other activities. The email also includes a link to a brief case investigation survey. 
  • The text will come from 877-790-8031. If a person does not respond to the initial text, they will receive a follow-up text from the same number. Responding to the text and email is important for helping MDH learn more about COVID-19 and how it is spreading.
  • Due to the high number of COVID-19 cases in Minnesota, case investigators are not able to call and interview everyone who tests positive. Texting allows case investigators to reach people quickly and to provide important health information to slow the spread of COVID-19. 
  • Minnesotans who test positive and use the COVIDAware app also have the option to enter a verification code to anonymously let others know they tested positive. That way other people who have the app on their phone will get an alert to let them know they were exposed, so they can quarantine if needed. If a person does not receive a verification code with their positive test result, they may call 833- 431-2053 to ask for one. 

Closer to home, Mille Lacs County is taking part in a Public Health Covid-19 Testing Pilot Program for the Minnesota Department of Health, due to the limited testing locations in our geographic area.  Testing is Mondays & Wednesdays from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Starting in March, NEW HOURS will be 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Testing will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Gorecki Building, Milaca Recreation Park, at 435 2nd St NW, Milaca. They will be offering the offering both the Vault Saliva Test and the Cue Rapid test. Visit millelacs.mn.gov to learn more and schedule an appointment.

You can also check this website for information about getting a home saliva test sent to you.  

More information on COVID-19

  • You can read the most updated information on what to do if you have COVID-19 here: What to do
     
  • You can read the most updated information on quarantine guidance here: Quarantine Guidance
    If you feel sick, have symptoms, or are caring for someone who is sick, visit this link on the Minnesota Department of Health’s website to learn more.
     
  • You can read the most updated information on what to do if you have had close contact with someone who has Covid here:  COVID close contact
    If you have more questions about exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, click here to learn more: Minnesota Department of Health website.
     
  • Seek medical care right away if your illness is getting worse; for example, if you have difficulty breathing.

 

Click here to see Live updates from the CDC.

Visitors Policy

Effective July 20, 2022, Mille Lacs Health System allows two visitors per patient per day. They must be the same visitors on the same day but can rotate to different people on other days. They must be over the age of 18. This policy applies to Urgent Care, Emergency Department, Senior Care unit and Acute Care (Hospital).  Remaining six-feet apart from one another is also required in public areas.

For questions regarding visitation in our Long-Term Care facility, we encourage you to call in advance of your visit, especially if you are traveling some distance to visit a loved one.  Telephone 320-532-2729.

Additional restrictions may apply at any time.

Mask Wearing Policy

As of July 20, 2022, Mille Lacs Health System continues to require all visitors and staff wear masks over their nose and mouth when inside any of our facilities: hospital, clinics, and pharmacy.

We are guided by the recommendations of The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services who publish Community Transmission Levels on a weekly basis with specific and strict guidance for healthcare facilities which is different from the community at large. As a healthcare system, we are required to adopt stricter policies than non-healthcare and other community entities. As of this date the healthcare Community Transmission Levels for Mille Lacs County are HIGH which mandates mask wearing.

We continue to monitor these levels on a weekly basis and will adapt our policies as the levels change.

Click this link to view the four COVID Community Transmission Levels and required actions for healthcare organizations. CDC COVID Data Tracker: County View

The following link shows the three Community Transmission Levels at the county level with recommended actions.  It is important to stress that these actions/recommendations do not apply to healthcare facilities which have stricter requirements. COVID-19 by County | CDC