Mayo Clinic Health System implemented additional visitor restrictions on Friday at its facilities in southeast Minnesota.

Effective at 8 p.m. Friday, hospitalized patients will no longer be permitted to have visitors.

Exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis, including births and end-of-life care, among other specific circumstances. All visitors granted exceptions will be screened prior to entry; those who screen positive for respiratory illness will be prohibited from visiting.

No visitors under the age of 18 will be allowed.

These visitor restrictions will remain in place until further notice. Family members are encouraged to consider other ways to connect with their loved ones via phone, text, social media or video chats.

“We understand that these restrictions will be difficult for patients and their loved ones,” a press release stated. “We are taking these necessary steps to protect our patients and our staff.”

 

Express Care locations in Albert Lea and Austin to close temporarily

For the safety of patients and shoppers at Hy-Vee locations during the COVID-19 virus outbreak, Mayo Clinic is temporarily closing the Express Care sites in Albert Lea and Austin Hy-Vee locations effective Saturday.

Mayo Clinic Health System has options for care that do not require a visit to the clinic including:

• Patients can message their care team through their patient online services account.

• Express Care online offers virtual care for 20 conditions. Patients can log in to their online account through the Mayo Clinic Health System website or the Mayo Clinic app. Regular hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., although patients can access Express Care Online 24/7 year-round. If you submit your questionnaire during regular business hours, you’ll receive an answer within one hour. If it’s after hours, you’ll be contacted by 9 a.m. the next day.