Coronavirus Information

What is COVID-19?

Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. It is part of the coronavirus family, which include common viruses that cause a variety of diseases from head or chest colds to more severe (but rarer) diseases like severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventive actions:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

To keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should:

• Stay home while you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash, and wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently- touched objects and surfaces.

The CDC is the best place for accurate and up-to-date information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

COVID-19 often has respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, a flu, or pneumonia. Other parts of your body may also be affected by the disease.

• If at any point you experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, please contact the clinic or call 911.
• Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people can become severely ill.
• If you have symptoms and can manage them at home, you don’t need to seek health care.
• St. Croix Health will continue to follow CDC guidelines for isolation for individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 to best serve patients and staff. Patients needing clinical services during their isolation must be scheduled via telehealth or at any of our community clinics. For more urgent situations, patients should go to the Emergency Department.
• SCH is following the most updated CDC guidance and offers COVID vaccination for all ages.

• Beginning on Thursday, April 6, 2023, masks will officially be optional for patients, visitors, and staff. Masking will still be required for the following circumstances:

  • Positive COVID-19 test within the last 10 days;
  • Exposure to COVID-19 within the last 10 days;
  • Respiratory illness symptoms (i.e., cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat, etc.)
• The health and safety of our patients and staff is our top priority at St. Croix Health. If wearing a mask provides you with a sense of security, please continue to do so and if you would like a staff member to put a mask on they immediately will.
• Some people including those with minor or no symptoms may suffer from post-COVID-19 conditions — or “long COVID”.
• Older adults and people who have certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
• Vaccines against COVID-19 are safe and effective. Vaccines teach our immune system to fight the virus that causes COVID-19.

Visitor Policy Changes:

Effective 4.6.23

• Patients are limited to two (2) visitors or support person(s) at a time.
• Visitors are required to follow any screening and personal protective equipment requirements.
• Visitors should be free from symptoms of infection and communicable disease.
• If a patient has any isolation restrictions, any visitor should check with nursing for specific instructions before entering the room.
• Anyone visiting OB must be at least 18 years of age.
• Visitors presenting to the Medical Center after business hours will enter the facility via the Emergency Department entrance and will be asked to sign in and out for security and safety purposes.
• In compassionate care situations based upon care team discretion, there may be additional visitors allowed.

• Visiting a hospitalized patient in person is not allowed if the visitor has:
  • Had a positive COVID-19 test within the last 10 days;
  • Been exposed to COVID-19 within the last 10 days;
  • Any respiratory illness symptoms (i.e., cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat etc.)