COVID-19 Response: What you need to know

During this constantly-evolving situation, we want to reassure you that Mile Bluff is actively working to protect you and your family.

At Mile Bluff Medical Center, our goal is to improve the health and wellness of our community, to provide care at its best, and to be there when you need us most. We do that by bringing medical experts and advanced services to the region, and by offering assistance in times of emergency.

Our staff members are trained in using proper precautionary measures to keep illness from spreading. Specific to COVID-19, we are following the procedures outlined by the CDC, and state and federal healthcare authorities.

This is situation is changing every day. Information is subject to change. We are doing our best to keep our patients, community and employees updated at all times. Here is what you need to know at this time:

Stay home.

Public health authorities are asking everyone to cooperate in “social distancing” to limit the spread of COVID-19 throughout our community. This means that even if you are symptom-free and not part of an at-risk group, you are asked to stay home and limit your contact with others. Please consider staying in touch via phone or video conferencing. This is particularly important for those age 60 and older, and those with compromised immune systems, who are at higher risk for COVID-19 complications. If you must be in a public place, aim to stay six feet away from others.

Call BEFORE you come to a healthcare facility.

For everyone’s safety, if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath), call your healthcare provider FIRST. If you are experiencing severe respiratory symptoms, call 911. If you are NOT experiencing a medical emergency, do NOT go to a hospital Emergency Department solely to ask for a COVID-19 test.

Limit exposure.

If you are experiencing mild respiratory symptoms, including fever, cough and/or shortness of breath:

• Stay home and limit your contact with others.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizing gel.
• Cover your cough with your elbow, and sneeze in a tissue.
• Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects in your home (cellphones, for example).
• Do not travel while sick.

You can still receive medical care at Mile Bluff, but please limit extra people.

If possible, please go alone to any appointments at the hospital or clinic. Do not bring family members or friends unless they are healthy and you need assistance. Do not bring children unless they are the ones in need of care. Be sure to avoide bringing visitors with a cough, a fever or unusual shortness of breath.

Be aware of visitor restrictions.

To protect the health and safety of everyone, visitor guidelines and restrictions are now in effect at Mile Bluff facilities.

Do not wear a mask if you are healthy.

The CDC and the Wisconsin Department of Public Health, do NOT recommend wearing a mask if you are NOT sick. If you are experiencing severe respiratory symptoms, call 911.

Understand who will be tested.

If you do NOT have the symptoms for COVID-19, (fever, cough, shortness of breath), and do not meet the set criteria, a test will NOT be performed at this time. Do NOT go to our Emergency Department to ask for a COVID-19 test. If you have non-emergent symptoms, please call your primary care provider.

Mile Bluff's COVID-19 response.

We are continually monitoring, evaluating, and responding to the changing COVID-19 situation. We are in constant communication as we coordinate logistics, supplies, testing, and other areas of response. We are working around the clock to help keep our community safe and healthy during these circumstances.

Stay informed.

COVID-19 responses are constantly changing. Please continue to refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or Wisconsin Department of Health Services for the most up-to-date information about COVID-19.